Am I correct in assuming that the fact that my solicitor in Topsham is not listed on my bank's conveyancing panel that there is a problem with the standard of his work?
It would be unwise to jump to that conclusion. There are plenty of plausible explanations. A recent report by the solicitors regulator indicated 76% of law firms surveyed had been removed from at least one lender panel. The top 5 reasons are as follows: (1) lack of transactions (2) the solicitor is a sole practitioner (3) as part of the HSBC panel reduction (4) regulatory contact by SRA (5) accidental removal. Where you are concerned you should simply call the Topsham conveyancing firm and enquire why they are no longer on the approved list for your lender.
At what point does exchange of contracts take place for domestic conveyancing in Topsham and do I need to attend the lawyers office?
If you are local to one of the conveyancing solicitors in Topsham you are welcome to come in to sign contracts. However, the law practices we work with provide a national conveyancing service and give just as detailed and professional a job for you when communicating with you digitally. The executing of the contract is not the point of no return. Signing on the dotted line is necessary for the conveyancer to address the formalities when the time is right, which is ordinarily shortly after signing. The procedure is nowadays normally dealt with by telephone and can be very rapid, although where an extended "chain" is in the mix, since the process requires the relevant party's solicitor (not necessarily a conveyancing solicitor in Topsham)to be in the office at the appropriate time.
After reading consumer advice sites for an online solicitor in Topsham, most comment that I must look for a CQS assured solicitor. Can you explain what CQS is?
Topsham Conveyancing Quality Scheme solicitors have obtained certification by the law Society The Law Society established CQS to promote high standards in the in the legal transfer of properties. CQS helps consumers to identify practices who provide a quality residential conveyancing. Topsham is one of locations in England and Wales in which accredited firms have offices. The scheme obliges law firms to undergo a strict assessment, compulsory training, self-reporting, spot checks and yearly assessments in order to maintain CQS status. It is available to solicitors and not licensed conveyancers and has the support of the Building Societies Association.
I am assisting my step-mother sell her property in Topsham. Will the conveyancer order an energy assessment or it is for me to see to?
After the demise of HIPs, energy performance certificates was maintained a required element of moving house. An energy performance certificate needs to be to hand prior to the property being advertised. It is not something that law firms ordinarily organise. If you are instructing a Topsham conveyancing lawyer they might help arrange energy assessments due to their contacts with reputable Topsham assessors
I am purchasing a property in Topsham. An unusual aspect is that the roof has a solar panel. UBS have issued a mortgage offer so presumably this is not a concern to them. Why is my solicitor raising questions about the panel?
As you are obtaining a mortgage with UBS your lawyer must comply with the conveyancing instructions outlined in Section 2 of UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook for UBS. The Council of Mortgage Lenders’ Handbook includes minimum provisions for solar panel roof-space leases, and conveyancers are required to report to UBS where a lease fails to comply with these provisions. The requirements relate to the installation of panels on properties nationwide and is not restricted to Topsham.
I am due to exchange contracts on my house. I had a double glazing fitted in April 2008, but did not receive a FENSA certificate or Building Regulation Certificate. My purchaser’s mortgage company, Kent Reliance are being difficult. The Topsham solicitor who is on the Kent Reliance conveyancing panel is happy to accept ‘lack of building regulation’ insurance but Kent Reliance are requiring a building regulation certificate. Why do Kent Reliance have a conveyancing panel if they don't accept advice from them?
It is probably the case that Kent Reliance have referred the matter to their valuer. The reason why Kent Reliance may not want to accept indemnity insurance is because it does not give them any reassurance that the double glazing was correctly and safely installed. The indemnity insurance merely protects against enforcement action which is very unlikely anyway.
Will my lawyer be raising questions about flooding during the conveyancing in Topsham.
Flooding is a growing risk for lawyers specialising in conveyancing in Topsham. There are those who acquire a house in Topsham, completely expectant that at some time, it may be flooded. However, leaving to one side the physical destruction, if a property is at risk of flooding, it may be difficult to obtain a mortgage, suitable building insurance, or dispose of the property. There are steps that can be taken during the course of a house purchase to forewarn the buyer.
Conveyancers are not qualified to impart advice on flood risk, however there are a various searches that can be undertaken by the buyer or on a buyer’s behalf which should give them a better understanding of the risks in Topsham. The conventional set of information supplied to a buyer’s lawyer (where the solicitors are adopting what is known as the Conveyancing Protocol) contains a standard question of the vendor to find out whether the premises has historically flooded. If the residence has been flooded in past which is not disclosed by the owner, then a buyer could issue a claim for damages as a result of such an misleading response. The buyer’s lawyers should also order an enviro search. This will indicate whether there is a recorded flood risk. If so, more detailed inquiries will need to be conducted.
How does conveyancing in Topsham differ for new build properties?
Most buyers of new build premises in Topsham approach us having been asked by the builder to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the residence is ready to move into. This is because developers in Topsham typically purchase 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 conveyancing solicitors 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 Topsham or who has acted in the same development.