Recently contacted my conveyancing lawyer in Sittingbourne who acted for me two years ago requesting a conveyancing quote based on the same type of house move (a leasehold property and a freehold premises) of almost identical values with a home loan from Britannia. I am now being charged double. Am I right to be tempted to shop around for a cheaper online conveyancer?
The estimate fees are a bit high. If you are happy to invest time scrutinising quotes you may be able to get the conveyancing a bit cheaper by say £100 plus VAT. That being said, if you were pleased with the conveyancing the firm gave you couldcome to rue choosing an an untested solicitor. Don't forget to enquire the solicitor can also act for Britannia. Do employ our search tool to select a Sittingbourne conveyancing firm on the Britannia conveyancing panel, which can often include conveyancing solicitors in Sittingbourne.
Please help. My Sittingbourne solicitor is assuring me that he is legally obliged toapply for Sittingbourne conveyancing searches asthe firm are on the HSBCapproved lawyer panel. Is my solicitor correct?
You have limited options available to you. As you are taking a mortgage with a lender your conveyancer has to comply with their conditions as set out in their version of the CML Conveyancing Handbook. Your solicitor would have previously signed the Terms and Conditions of your lender’s conveyancing panel appointment which obliges them to follow the CML Handbook requirements . Even if you were a cash buyer you would be ill advised not to carry out Sittingbourne conveyancing searches.
We note that you have a post code search directory identifying firms on the Kent Reliance conveyancing panel. Do firms pay you a referral fee if I instruct them for our own conveyancing in Sittingbourne?
We are a listing service only for law firms wishing to communicate if they are on the Kent Reliance conveyancing panel or other lender panels. We do not charge referral fees to any conveyancer that you subsequently appoint for your conveyancing in Sittingbourne.
What will a local search inform me concerning the house my wife and I buying in Sittingbourne?
Sittingbourne conveyancing often starts with the submitting local authority searches directly from your local Authority or via a personal search company for example PSG The local search is essential in every Sittingbourne conveyancing purchase; as long as you don’t want any nasty surprises after you move into your property. The search will reveal information on, amongst other things, details on planning applications relevant to the property (whether granted or refused), building control history, any enforcement action, restrictions on permitted development, nearby road schemes, contaminated land and radon gas; in all a total of thirteen topic headings.
Estate agents have just been given the go-ahead to market my basement apartment in Sittingbourne. Conveyancing has not commenced, however I have just received a quarterly maintenance charge demand – Do I pay up?
Your conveyancing lawyer is likely to suggest that you should clear the maintenance contribution as normal given that all rents and service invoices should be allotted on completion, so you will be reimbursed by the purchaser for the period running from after the completion date to the next payment date. Most management companies will not acknowledge the buyer unless the service charges have been paid and are up to date, so it is important for both buyer and seller for the seller to show that they are up to date. Having a clear account will assist your cause and will leave you no worse off financially.
Sittingbourne Conveyancing for Leasehold Flats - Sample of Questions you should ask Prior to buying
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How long is the Lease? For many Sittingbourne leaseholds the cost for major works are not included within service charges, although a few managing agents in Sittingbourne obliged tenants to contribute towards a sinking fund and this is used to offset against larger repairs or maintenance. Does the lease contain onerous restrictions?
I have noted on various consumer advice websites that when choosing a conveyancing solicitors they must be approved by your bank. I am new to the process but I have an AIP via Virgin Money and I already have a high street conveyancing solicitor in Sittingbourne at the ready. Does HSBC require an approved lawyer to be used? Does a list of panel firms even exist so I can appoint a conveyancing solicitor in Sittingbourne?
You should use a solicitor that is on the HSBC panel. Just call your preferred Sittingbourne conveyancing lawyer to check if they are on the HSBC panel. If they are not on the panel you have a couple of alternatives available to you here:
- Carry on with your existing Sittingbourne conveyancer but HSBC will undoubtedly instruct a property lawyer on their approved list. The net impact is additional fees and potential frustration.
- Appoint a fresh conveyancer to act in the purchase, making sure they are on the HSBC conveyancing panel.
- Appeal to your lawyer to apply to join the lender panel.