What does my ID and proof of funds have anything to do with my conveyancing in Strawberry Hill? Why is this being asked of me?
Strawberry Hill conveyancing solicitors as well as nationwide property practitioners throughout the UK have a duty under money laundering regulations to check the identity of any client in order to ensure that clients are who they say they are.
Conveyancing clients will need to provide two forms of certified ID; proof of identity (typically a Passport or Driving Licence) and evidence of address (usually a Bank Statement no older than three months).
Confirmation of source of monies is also necessary under the money laundering statutes as conveyancers are required to investigate that the monies you are using to buy a property (whether it be the deposit for exchange or the total purchase price if you are a cash purchaser) has come from an acceptable source (such as an inheritance) as opposed to the proceeds of criminal activity.
I am told that my conveyancing solicitors will need to check that the building insurance when buying a house in Strawberry Hill. My lender is Platform
Platform have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook. As of 7/1/2025, the requirements read as follows :
How does conveyancing in Strawberry Hill differ for newly converted properties?
Most buyers of new build or newly converted property in Strawberry Hill come to us having been asked by the builder to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the house is built. This is because builders in Strawberry Hill typically purchase 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 conveyancers 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 accustomed to new build conveyancing in Strawberry Hill or who has acted in the same development.
Do I need to be wary that estate agents that I am dealing with are suggesting an online conveyancing firm as opposed to a High Street Strawberry Hill conveyancing company?
As is the case with lots of service providers, often input from connections can be most helpful. But there are lots of players in a conveyancing deal; estate agents, financial adviser and lenders may recommend conveyancers to use. On occasion these conveyancers might be known to one of the organisations as being good in their field, but sometimes there exists a commercial relationship behind the recommendation. You are at liberty to appoint your own conveyancer. You need to be aware that many banks specify a panel list of conveyancers you have to use for the mortgage related work in your house move.
We are 14 days into a leasehold purchase having been recommend to a firm by the high street agent to perform conveyancing in Strawberry Hill. I am am starting to be frustrated with the quality of service. Can you you assist me in finding new solicitors?
They would need to be very bad to suggest changing them. Has the mortgage offer been generated? If so you need to advise them of the new solicitor and have the mortgage documents are re-sent. Your solicitor ideally should be on the mortgage company approved list to avoid escalating fees and frustration. So that should be your starting point. Our search tool will help you find a lender approved conveyancer for your conveyancing in Strawberry Hill
Having used your search tool I can't find the lawyer I was hoping to instruct as being on the lender conveyancing panel. My lawyer has said that they are on the mortgage company approved panel. How can I be sure given that they are not listed on your directory?
Not all firms are yet listed on our lender panel search tool which is still relatively new. Law firms are listing on a daily basis and it is probably the case that your lawyer is on the bank conveyancing lawyer and you should probably take them at their word. Please do feel free to suggest that they completing their listing on our site as it would only cost them £1 a month to list themselves as being on the lender solicitor panel.