I am expecting a mortgage offer from Santander. My intention is to enlist the help of a Licensed Conveyancer in Barnes. Does the Santander Solicitor panel include Licensed Conveyancers?
The Santander approved solicitor list is, like many other lenders, represented by the CML or BSA, open to Licensed Conveyancers regulated by the Council of Licensed Conveyancers.
How does conveyancing in Barnes differ for new build properties?
Most buyers of new build premises in Barnes approach us having been asked by the builder to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the house is constructed. This is because developers in Barnes tend to acquire 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 accustomed to new build conveyancing in Barnes or who has acted in the same development.
I opted to have a survey carried out on a house in Barnes prior to retaining lawyers. I have been advised that there is a flying freehold overhang to the property. The surveyor has said that some banks tend refuse to issue a mortgage on this type of home.
It depends who your proposed lender is. HSBC has different instructions from Halifax. Should you wish to call us we can check via the relevant bank. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can assist as they are accustomed to dealing with flying freeholds in Barnes. Conveyancing may be slightly more expensive based on your lender's requirements.
I'm refinancing my existing property to a buy to let mortgage with Alliance & Leicester and I will use the ballance of the raised equity as a deposit on a second property. The neighborhood we are looking at is Barnes. Will your conveyancers be able to act for the two banks and tie in the two deals?
Do use our search tool on this site to be sure that the solicitors are approved by both lenders. Having checked that they are your solicitor should be able to tie up the two deals but you should have a chat with you solicitor and make clear your expectations and requirements.
I am thinking of appointing a conveyancing solicitor in Barnes for my sale. Is there any facility to see a firm’s complaints history with the profession’s regulator?
You may find presented Solicitor Regulator Association (SRA) determinations stemming from investigations from 2008 onwards. Go to Check a solicitor's record. To find records about the period before 1 January 2008, or to check a firm's history, call 0870 606 2555, 08.00 - 18.00 Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and 09.30 - 18.00 Tuesday. For non-uk callers, use +44 (0)121 329 6800. The SRA could monitor telephone calls for training purposes.