Is the fact that my solicitor in Totnes is not on my bank's solicitor panel that there is a problem with the quality of his conveyancing?
It would not be wise to jump to that conclusion. There are plenty of reasonable explanations. Just recently a report by the solicitors regulator indicated 76% of law firms surveyed had been removed from at least one lender panel. The most common reasons for removal are: (1) low volume of transactions (2) the lawyer is a sole practitioner (3) as part of the HSBC panel reduction (4) regulatory contact by SRA (5) accidental removal. Should you be concerned you should contact the Totnes conveyancing firm and enquire why they are no longer on the approved list for your bank.
Last April we completed a house move in Totnes. We have noticed several problems with the property which we consider were overlooked in the conveyancing searches. Is there anything we can do? Can you clarify the nature of searches that should have been carried out for conveyancing in Totnes?
The query is not clear as to the nature of the problems and if they are specific to conveyancing in Totnes. Conveyancing searches and due diligence undertaken during the legal transfer of property are supposed to help avoid problems. As part of the legal transfer of property, the vendor fills in a document called a Seller’s Property Information Form. If the information proves to be inaccurate, you could possibly take legal action against the seller for any losses that you have suffered. The survey should have identified any problems with the structure of the property. Assuming a detailed survey was carried out and the issues were not identified, you may have a claim against the surveyor. However, if you did not have a full survey, you may be responsible for fixing any defects that have now been noted. We would always encourage buyers to take every possible step to ensure they are completely aware of the condition of a property before purchase regardless of whether they are buying in Totnes.
I own a freehold property in Totnes but still pay rent, why is this and what is this?
It is rare for properties in Totnes and has limited impact for conveyancing in Totnes but some freehold properties in England (particularly common in North West England) pay an annual sum known as a Chief Rent or a Rentcharge to a third party who has no other legal interest in the land.
Rentcharge payments are usually between £2.00 and £5.00 per year. Rentcharges date back hundreds of years, but the Rent Charge Act 1977 barred the establishment of new rentcharges post 1977.
Previous rentcharges can now be redeemed by making a lump sum payment under the Act. Any rentcharges that are still in existence after 2037 is to be dispensed with completely.
I have 7378 less than 75 years unexpired on my lease and require a lease extension for my flat in Totnes. Conveyancing solicitors on the Platform panel can deal with such extensions correct?
Most leasehold conveyancing experts should be able to deal with a lease extension. if you are obtaining a mortgage then your lender may insist that the lease be extended before competition. Platform have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook in relation to minimum unexpired lease terms. As of 8/6/2026 the requirements read as follows :
I am planning to move house in September. Should my conveyancing solicitor communicate with the removal company on the completion day. As an aside, can you suggest a removal company in Totnes. Conveyancing solicitor was organised prior to coming across this site.
On the day of completion you can pick up the house keys from your selling agent however this can only take place when the sellers conveyancers confirm to the agent that they acknowledge receipt of the completion payment and the keys can be collected. You can tell the removal men that they can start moving you in. As a matter of policy we do not suggest a particular removal organisation but can assist you in finding a conveyancing in Totnes or a legal practice with expertise in conveyancing in Totnes.
When it comes to lenders such as Yorkshire BS, do Totnes solicitors have to pay a fee to be on the conveyancing panel?
We are unaware of any bank fees to be on their panel, although some do charge an administration charge to deal with the processing of the conveyancing panel application.
How can we tell if a Totnes conveyancing solicitor on the Coventry BS panel is any good?
When it comes to conveyancing in Totnes seeking recommendations is a sensible 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 solicitor conducting your conveyancing.
How does conveyancing in Totnes differ for new build properties?
Most buyers of new build residence in Totnes contact us having been asked by the seller to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the residence is built. This is because house builders in Totnes tend to 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 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 Totnes or who has acted in the same development.