I can't travel far from Southwark. I would like to know the reason why all Southwark conveyancing practitioners aren't automatically on all mortgage company panels?
Mortgage Companies normally impose restrictions on either the nature or the number of conveyancing firms on their approved list of lawyers. Typical examples of such criteria being that a organisation needs to have at least two partners. In addition to restricting the structure of firm, some have decided to limit the size of their panel they use to represent them. It is worth noting that lenders have no responsibility for the quality of advice given by any Southwark conveyancer on their panel. Increases in mortgage fraud was the key driver in the rationalisation of solicitor panels a few years ago even though there are differing assessments about whether solicitors sat at the center of that fraud. Data via HMLR indicates that thousands of law organisations only conduct a couple of conveyances annually. Those vindicating conveyancing panel culls question why conveyancing firms deserve claim to remain on a conveyancing panel when clearly property law is not their primary expertise?
We are about to sign contracts for a freehold house in Southwark. We have hit a stumbling block. Our loan offer with Platform Home Loans Ltd runs out on 20/3/2026 but the vendors are putting forward a completion date of 24/3/2026. Is it possible to extend the loan expiry date?
The best person to address this concern is your lawyer who is in a position to determine whether they corresponding with the lender, vendor’s solicitors, estate agents or possibly all parties taking into account what has happend in your house move as of today.
When it comes to mortgage companies such as Lloyds, do Southwark conveyancers have to pay a yearly amount to be on the list of approved solicitors?
We are unaware of any bank fees to register on their panel, although some do charge an administration fee to deal with the processing of the conveyancing panel submission.
Does a directory service exist listing TSB panel solicitors in Southwark on the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook Website?
Unfortunately not yet. There is no such facility on the Council of Mortgage Lenders or Building Society Association websites. A small selection of mortgage companies make their panel listings available on the web. Where you are seeking to appoint a Southwark solicitor on the TSB please use our tool.
My partner and I have organised a further advance on our mortgage from Yorkshire BS as we want to conduct a loft conversion to our home in Southwark. Do we need to appoint a high street Southwark solicitor on the Yorkshire BS conveyancing panel to deal with the legals?
Yorkshire BS do not ordinarily require a member of their approved list of lawyers to handle such a matter. If they do require any legal work then you would need to ensure that such a lawyer was on the Yorkshire BS list.
I have been on the look out for a ground for flat up to £195,000 and identified one close by in Southwark I like with a park and station in the vicinity, the downside is that it only has 61 years unexpired on the lease. There is not much else in Southwark for this price, so just wondered if I would be making a mistake acquiring a short lease?
If you require a mortgage the remaining unexpired lease term will be an issue. Reduce the price by the expected lease extension will cost if it has not already been discounted. If the existing proprietor has owned the premises for a minimum of 2 years you could request that they commence the lease extension formalities and pass it to you. You can add 90 years to the current lease term with a zero ground rent applied. You should speak to your conveyancing solicitor about this.
My cousin has suggested that I appoint his conveyancing solicitors in Southwark. Do I take his recommendation?
No doubt the ideal way to select a conveyancing practitioner is to have recommendations from friends or relatives who have actually used the solicitor you're contemplating using.
There are a number of houses in Southwark on private roads. I am buying one such house. Are there any benefits to buying a house on a privately owned road?
Southwark conveyancing practices are used to conveyancing houseson private. The conveyancer will investigate Land Registry data to identify any rights or liabilities. It is possible that there is a management company (wholly owned by residents) that residents make annual contributions for the upkeep of the road. If one exists, the road will likely be maintained and appear nicer than publicly adopted.