My financial adviser requires my Hampstead solicitor’s panel member for the Santander conveyancing panel. What is the best way to discover this. I have called my local Hampstead branch but they have not responded to me.
Have you tried speaking to your Hampstead conveyancer about this?. Most Hampstead conveyancing firms will keep a file or database of lender panel information which would include, if applicable, their conveyancing panel details for each mortgage company.
How up to date is your database of Hampstead solicitors on the Nationwide conveyancing panel? Do Nationwide send you an updated list?
Hampstead conveyancing firms themselves provide us confirmation that they are on the Nationwide conveyancing panel as opposed to being supplied with a list from Nationwide directly.
We are hoping to buy a 3 bedroom flat in Hampstead with a homeloan from Virgin Money.We would like to retain our Hampstead conveyancing solicitor but Virgin Money advised that she’s not listed on their "panel". It seems we are left with no choice but to instruct a Virgin Money panel firm or retain our high street solicitor and fork out for one of their panel ones to represent them. This seems very unfair; Can we not simply insist that Virgin Money use our lawyer?
Unfortunately,no. The mortgage issued to you contains various provisions, a common one being that conveyancers must be on the Virgin Money conveyancing panel. Until recently, most lenders had large numbers of law firms on their panels: a borrower could find one for themselves, as long as it was on the lender's panel. The lender would then simply instruct the borrower's lawyers to act for the lender, too. You can use your lender's panel lawyers or you could borrow from another lender which does not restrict your choice. Another option that might be available is for your solicitors to apply to be on the conveyancing panel for Virgin Money
I am looking for a ground for flat up to £245,000 and identified one close by in Hampstead I like with amenity areas and transport links nearby, however it only has 61 remaining years left on the lease. There is not much else in Hampstead in this price bracket, so just wondered if I would be making a mistake purchasing a lease with such few years left?
If you need a mortgage the remaining unexpired lease term will be problematic. Discount the price by the amount the lease extension will cost if not already taken into account. If the current owner has owned the property for at least twenty four months you could ask them to start the process of the extension and pass it to you. An additional ninety years can be extended on to the current lease term and have £0 ground rent by law. You should consult your conveyancing lawyer concerning this.
We today found out that one of the directors of the conveyancing practice acting on the purchase conveyancing in Hampstead is an aunty of the vendor. Is this allowed?
As long as no conflict arises this should be fine. If you are requiring a home loan then the mortgage company may have a say as many banks have specific instructions concerning this. For example for RBS (One Account) as of 23/2/2025, the requirements read as follows :