We are buying a 3 bedroom apartment in Sidmouth with a mortgage. We would like to retain our Sidmouth solicitor, however the mortgage company advise he's not on their "panel". We have to appoint one of the bank panel firms or retain our Sidmouth lawyer as well as pay for one of their panel ones to represent them. This seems very unfair; are we not able to insist that the lender use our Sidmouth lawyer ?
Unfortunately,no. Your mortgage offer is subject to its terms and conditions, one of which will be that lawyers will on the bank’s conveyancing panel. Until recently, most lenders had large numbers of law firms on their panels: a borrower could choose one for themselves, as long as it was on the lender's panel. The lender would then simply instruct the borrower's lawyers to act for the lender, too. You can use your lender's panel lawyers or you could borrow from another lender which does not restrict your choice. A further alternative is for your Sidmouth conveyancing solicitor to apply to be on the conveyancing panel.
I am assisting my aunt sell her flat in Sidmouth. Will the conveyancer order the energy assessment or it is for the owner to see to?
After the abolition of Home Information Packs, EPC’s was kept a mandatory component of moving house. An EPC must be to hand prior to the property being put on the market. It is not a task that solicitors ordinarily arrange. If you are using a Sidmouth conveyancing solicitor they might be willing to arrange energy performance certificates given their contacts with reputable Sidmouth assessors
Have just purchased a probate house at auction in Sidmouth. Conveyancing is required. What is next?
Having exchanged you must find a conveyancing practitioner quickly as you will have a tight deadline in which to complete the conveyancing. An auction property will have a bespoke auction pack. This will likely include most,if not all of the paperwork that your conveyancer will need. In the case of leasehold property the auction papers should contain a copy of the lease, management information and a sellers leasehold information form and associated conveyancing documentation specific to leasehold premises. You should pass this on to the solicitor working for you as soon as possible. Do make sure that your finances are in place to complete on the date specified in the contract.
It is unclear whether my mortgage offer requires a lease extension. I have telephoned my Sidmouth bank branch on numerous occasions and was advised it wasn't a problem and they will lend. My Sidmouth conveyancing solicitor - who is on the bank conveyancing panel- called to say that they would not lend based on their published requirements. Who do I believe?
As long as the property lawyer is on the lender approved list, she or he must follow the CML Handbook provisions for the lender. Unless your lawyer obtains specific confirmation in writing that the mortgage company will go ahead, your lawyer has no choice but to refrain from exchanging contract and committing you to the purchase. We would suggest that you ask the lender to contact your lawyer in writing confirming that they will accept the number of years left on the lease.
How does conveyancing in Sidmouth differ for new build properties?
Most buyers of new build or newly converted property in Sidmouth come to us having been asked by the seller to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the residence is ready to move into. This is because builders in Sidmouth typically acquire the site, plan the estate and want to get the plots sold off as they are building the properties. Buyers, therefore, will have to exchange contracts without actually seeing the house they are buying. To reduce the chances of losing the property, buyers should instruct property lawyers as soon as the property is reserved and mortgage applications should be submitted quickly. Due to the fact that it could be several months and even years between exchange of contracts and completion, the mortgage offer may need to be extended. It would be wise to use a lawyer who specialises in new build conveyancing especially if they are used to new build conveyancing in Sidmouth or who has acted in the same development.
Yesterday I discovered that there is a flying freehold issue on a property I put an offer in last month in what was supposed to be a quick, no chain conveyancing. Sidmouth is the location of the property. What do you suggest?
Flying freeholds in Sidmouth are unusual but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even where you use a solicitor outside Sidmouth you must be sure that your lawyer goes through the deeds very carefully. Your lender may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Sidmouth may determine that this is not enough and that the deeds be re-written to give you the most up to date legal protection. If so, the next door neighbour also had to sign up to the revised deeds.It is possible that your lender will not accept the situation so the sooner you find out the better. You should also check with your insurance broker as to whether they will insure a flying freehold residence.
I need to find a conveyancing solicitor for freehold conveyancing in Sidmouth. I've stumble across a site which seems to have the perfect solution If it is possible to get all formalities done via phone that would be preferable. Should I be concerned? What should out be looking out for?
As usual with these online conveyancers you need to read ALL the small print - did you notice the extra charge for dealing with the mortgage?
I acquired a property in Sidmouth last 30/4/2025 and to date it is still not recorded with the Land Registry. It was part of a development site and my lawyer told me that it can take twelve months to complete the registration formalities. I have contacted HMLR directly and they have informed me the original application was cancelled due to questions not being addressed in time. What can I do?
get in touch with your solicitor - if you are not getting sensible responses, enquire as to their internal complaints process and amplify your problem to a Partner. Registrations for Sidmouth conveyancing are not known to be especially complex.