We are looking to buy a flat and require a conveyancing solicitor in Cockermouth who is on the Barclays solicitor panel. Could you point me in the right direction as regards a conveyancing firm?
Our service is limited to being a directory service for firms who wish to be listed as being on the approved conveyancing panel for Barclays . We don't recommend any particular firms conducting conveyancing in Cockermouth.
Will my conveyancing lawyers need to check that the building insurance when buying a house in Cockermouth. My lender is Virgin
Virgin have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook. As of 7/3/2025, the requirements read as follows :
I am downsizing from our house in Cockermouth and according to the buyers it appears that there is a possibility that the property was built on contaminated land. Any local conveyancer would know that there is no such problem. For the life of me I don't know why the purchasers are using an online conveyancing practice as opposed to a conveyancing solicitor in Cockermouth. We have lived in Cockermouth for 4 years we know of no issue. Do we contact our local Authority to obtain clarification that the buyers are looking for.
It would appear that you have a conveyancing lawyer already. What do they say? You should enquire of your lawyer before you do anything. It is very possible that once the local authority has been informed of a potential issue it cannot be insured against (a bit like being diagnosed with a serious illness and then taking out life insurance to cover that same ailment)
Due to the encouragement of my in-laws I had a survey completed on a property in Cockermouth prior to appointing solicitors. I have been advised that there is a flying freehold aspect to the house. Our surveyor has said that some lenders may refuse to give a mortgage on a flying freehold premises.
It depends who your proposed lender is. HSBC has different requirements for example to Nationwide. If you call us we can look into this further via the relevant mortgage company. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can help as they are accustomed to dealing with flying freeholds in Cockermouth. Conveyancing can be more complicated and therefore you should check with your conveyancing solicitor in Cockermouth to see if the conveyancing will be more expensive.
I've found a house that seems to meet my requirements, at a great figure which is making it more attractive. I have since discovered that it's a leasehold rather than freehold. I am assuming that there are issues purchasing a leasehold house in Cockermouth. Conveyancing solicitors have are about to be appointed. Will they explain the issues?
Most houses in Cockermouth are freehold and not leasehold. This is one of the situations where having a local solicitor who is familiar with the area can assist with the conveyancing process. We note that you are purchasing in Cockermouth in which case you should be shopping around for a Cockermouth conveyancing solicitor and check that they have experience in dealing with leasehold houses. First you will need to check the unexpired lease term. Being a leaseholder you will not be at liberty to do whatever you want to the property. The lease will likely included provisions for example requiring the landlord’spermission to carry out changes to the property. It may be necessary to pay a contribution towards the upkeep of the communal areas where the house is located on an estate. Your lawyer should advise you fully on all the issues.