Completed the sale of my flat in Southwark last May but my buyer keeps calling me complaining that their lawyer needs to hear from mine. What should my lawyer have done now that I have sold?
Following your sale your conveyancer should send the transfer deeds and all additional paperwork to the buyer’s solicitors. If applicable, your conveyancer should also evidence that the mortgage has been paid off to the purchasers solicitors. There is unlikely to be post completion requirements just for conveyancing in Southwark.
We are due to move home in July. Will my conveyancing solicitor update the removal company on the completion day. Incidentally, can you put forward a removal company in Southwark. Conveyancing firm was organised prior to coming across this site.
On the day of completion you will need to collect the house keys from the estate agent however this should only be done when the previous owners solicitors inform the agent that they have the completion monies and the keys can be collected. You should advise the removal company that they can start moving you in. As a matter of policy we do not suggest a specific removal organisation but can assist you in choosing a residential property solicitor in Southwark or a firm with expertise in conveyancing in Southwark.
I am purchasing a 3 bedroom semi in Southwark. We would like to carry out an extension to the side at the house.Will the conveyancing process include enquiries to see if these alterations are permitted?
Your property lawyer should review the registered title as conveyancing in Southwark can sometimes identify restrictions in the title documents which prohibit certain works or require the consent of a 3rd party. Certain works require local authority planning permissions and approval under the building regulations. Certain areas are designated conservation areas and special planning restrictions apply which often prevent or affect extensions. It would be wise to check these things with a surveyor before you commit yourself to a purchase.
How can we know in advance if a Southwark conveyancing solicitor on the Yorkshire BS panel is any good?
When it comes to conveyancing in Southwark getting recommendations is a good starting point. Before you go ahead, check if they offer a no sale no fee offer. Also, you often get what you pay for - a firm which quotes more, will often provide a better service than one which is cheap as chips. We would always recommend that you speak with the lawyer conducting your transaction.
I used Stirling Law several years ago for my conveyancing in Southwark. I now require my file but the law firm is no longer operating. What do I do?
Do call the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) to assist in tracing your conveyancing files. They can be contacted on please contact on 0870 606 2555. Alternatively, you should use their online form to make an enquiry. You will need to provide the SRA with as much information as possible to assist their search, including the name and address in Southwark of the conveyancing firm of solicitors you previously instructed, the name of conveyancing solicitor with whom you had dealings, and the date on which you last had dealings with the firm.
How does conveyancing in Southwark differ for new build properties?
Most buyers of new build property in Southwark approach us having been asked by the developer to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the premises is finished. This is because house builders in Southwark usually buy the land, 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 Southwark or who has acted in the same development.
I am the leaseholder of a first floor flat in Southwark. Given that I can not reach agreement with the freeholder, can the Leasehold valuation Tribunal determine the premium payable for a lease extension?
Absolutely. We are happy to put you in touch with a Southwark conveyancing firm who can help.
An example of a Freehold Enfranchisement case for a Southwark residence is 1-41 Royal Tower Lodge 40 Cartwright Street in April 2013. the tribunal adding the agreed value of capitalised ground rents and the reversion the price to be paid for the freehold was £1,187,000 This case related to 41 flats. The remaining number of years on the lease was 107 years.
What are the common defects that you encounter in leases for Southwark properties?
Leasehold conveyancing in Southwark is not unique. Most leases are individual and drafting errors can result in certain sections are erroneous. The following missing provisions could result in a defective lease:
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A duty to insure the building Service charge per centages that don't add up correctly leaving a shortfall
A defective lease will likely cause issues when trying to sell a property as they can affect a potential buyer’s ability to obtain a mortgage. HSBC Bank, Barnsley Building Society, and Platform Home Loans Ltd all have express requirements when it comes to what is expected in a lease. Where a lender has been advised by their lawyers that the lease is problematic they may refuse to grant the mortgage, forcing the buyer to pull out.
My partner and I yesterday found out that one of the directors of the solicitors undertaking the purchase conveyancing in Southwark is is the sister of the owners that we are purchasing from. Is this allowed?
Provided no conflict arises this is permitted. Where you are requiring a mortgage then the lender may have a say as many mortgage companies have specific instructions on this. For example for RBS (One Account) as of 9/6/2025, the requirements read as follows :