I am in the process of selling my home in South Yorkshire and the EA has just text me to say that the buyers are appointing a new conveyancer. I am told that this is due to the fact that the lender will only deal with solicitors on their conveyancing panel. Why would a leading mortgage company only engage with specific lawyers rather the firm that they want to choose to handle their conveyancing in South Yorkshire ?
UK lenders have always had an approved set of law firms that can represent them, but in recent years big names such as Santander, have considered and reduced their conveyancing panel– in some cases removing conveyancing firms who have represented them for over 25 years.
Lending institutions point to the increase in fraud as the reason for the cull – criteria have been narrowed as a smaller panel is easier to keep an eye on. No lender will say how many solicitors have been dropped, claiming the information is commercially sensitive, but the Law Society claims that it is hearing daily from firms that have been removed from panels. Some do not even realise they have been dropped until contacted by a borrower who has instructed them as might be the situation in your buyers' case. The buyers are unlikely to have any sway in the decision.
In what way does my ID and proof of funds have anything to do with my conveyancing in South Yorkshire? Is this really warranted?
South Yorkshire conveyancing solicitors and indeed property practitioners throughout the UK have an obligation under Anti-terror and anti-money-laundering rules to check the ID of any client in order to satisfy themselves that clients are who they say they are.
Conveyancing clients are required to supply two forms of certified ID; proof of identity (typically a Passport or Driving Licence) and evidence of address (typically a Utility Bill no older than three months).
Confirmation of source of monies is also necessary under the money laundering laws as lawyers are mandated to investigate that the monies you are utilising to acquire a property (whether it be the deposit for exchange or the full purchase monies if you are buying without a mortgage) has originated from a reputable source (such as an inheritance) as opposed to the product of illegitimate activity.
I am told that my conveyancing solicitors will need to check that the building insurance when buying a house in South Yorkshire. My lender is Platform
Platform have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook. As of 2/5/2025, the requirements read as follows :
I require expedited conveyancing in South Yorkshire as I am faced with pressure to exchange contracts inside 3 weeks. A mortgage is not required. Is it possible to escape the need for conveyancing searches to save fees and time?
As you are are a mortgage free purchaser you are at free not to do searches although no law firm would advise that you don't. With plenty of history conveyancing in South Yorkshire the following are instances of what can crop up and adversely affect market value: Enforcement Notices, Overdue Charges, Outstanding Grants, Unadopted Roads,...
How do I search for a South Yorkshire solicitor on the The Royal Bank of Scotland conveyancing panel? I have wheels and am prepared to travel upto 20miles to meet the lawyer.
You can use the facility on this website. Please pick a lender and your location and you will see a number of South Yorkshire conveyancing lawyers locally. We have listed some South Yorkshire conveyancing firms towards the end of this page and you can call them to check if they are on the The Royal Bank of Scotland panel
I am hoping to put an offer on a small detached house that seems to meet my requirements, at a reasonable price which is making it all the more appealing. I have since discovered that the title is leasehold as opposed to freehold. I am assuming that there are issues buying a leasehold house in South Yorkshire. Conveyancing lawyers have not yet been instructed. Will they explain the issues?
The majority of houses in South Yorkshire are freehold and not leasehold. This is one of the situations where having a local solicitor who is familiar with the area who can assist with the conveyancing process. It is clear that you are purchasing in South Yorkshire so you should seriously consider shopping around for a South Yorkshire conveyancing solicitor and be sure that they are used to dealing with leasehold houses. First you will need to check the unexpired lease term. As a tenant you will not be entirely free to do whatever you want with the house. The lease will likely included provisions such as requiring the freeholder’spermission to carry out changes to the property. You may also be required to pay a maintenance charge towards the upkeep of the communal areas where the house is located on an estate. Your lawyer should report to you on the legal implications.
I own a basement flat in South Yorkshire, conveyancing formalities finalised 3 years ago. Can you shed any light on how much the price could be for a 90 year extension to my lease? Equivalent flats in South Yorkshire with an extended lease are worth £185,000. The ground rent is £65 per annum. The lease ceases on 21st October 2086
With 61 years unexpired the likely cost is going to range between £19,000 and £22,000 as well as legals.
The suggested premium range that we have given is a general guide to costs for renewing a lease, but we cannot give you a more accurate figure in the absence of comprehensive due diligence. Do not use the figures in a Notice of Claim or as an informal offer. There are no doubt other issues that need to be taken into account and clearly you should be as accurate as possible in your negotiations. Please do not take any other action based on this information without first seeking the advice of a professional.