Can you help? My Mill Hill lawyer is informing me me that she is duty bound toapply for Mill Hill conveyancing searches stemming from the fact thatthe firm are on the Santanderapproved lawyer panel. Do I not have a choice here?

You have limited options available to you. As you are obtaining a mortgage with a mortgage company your solicitor has to comply with their conditions as set out in their version of the CML Conveyancing Handbook. Your property lawyer would have previously signed the Terms and Conditions of your bank’s conveyancing panel appointment which obliges them to comply with the CML Handbook requirements . Even if you were a cash buyer you would be ill advised not to carry out Mill Hill conveyancing searches.

As someone not used to conveyancing in Mill Hill what is your top tip you can give me for the ownership transfer in Mill Hill

Not many law firms or advisers will tell you this but conveyancing in Mill Hill and elsewhere in North London is often a confrontational process. Put another way, when it comes to conveyancing there exists lots of room for confrontation between you and others involved in the transaction. For instance, the vendor, selling agent and sometimes a bank. Choosing a law firm for your conveyancing in Mill Hill is a critical decision as your conveyancer is your adviser, and is the SOLE person in the legal process whose role it is to act in your legal interests and to keep you safe.

Every so often a third party with a vested interest may try and convince you that you should follow their advice. For example, the selling agent may claim to be helping by suggesting your conveyancer is dragging his heels. Or your financial adviser may advise you to do something that is contrary to your solicitors recommendation. You should always trust your lawyer above all other parties in the home moving process.

Just had an offer accepted on a new build flat in Mill Hill. Conveyancing is necessary evil at the best of times but I have never purchased a new build flat before. What sort of enquires would be asked in new build conveyancing.

Here are examples of a selection of leasehold new build questions that you should expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Mill Hill

Will control of the Management Company (if any) be handed over to purchasers on completion of the last sale or earlier? The Landlord must covenant to assume the management if the Management Company goes into liquidation or otherwise defaults in running the management scheme. If there are lifts in the building, please confirm that the owners of flats on the ground and basement floors will not be required to contribute towards the cost of maintenance and renewal. Please confirm the Lease plans are architect prepared.

I have been advised by a few estate agents in Mill Hill to select a property lawyer on your site. Is there a financial incentive for Estate Agents to market your lawyers over alternative conveyancing organisations?

We don’t give any referral fee for directing people in our direction. We found it would be just too difficult to pay a commission because members of the public would think, ‘How come the agent getting a kickback? Why aren’t I getting any benefit too?’ We would prefer to grow our business on genuine recommendations.

Should I use a Mill Hill conveyancing practitioner who is local to the property I am buying? An old friend can execute the legal formalities but his firm is located over three hundred kilometers away.

The benefit of a high street Mill Hill conveyancing firm is that you can pop in to execute paperwork, deliver your identification documents and apply pressure on them where appropriate. They will also have local knowledge which is a benefit. That being said nothing is more important than finding someone that will do a good and efficient job. If you know people who used your friend and the majority were happy that should surpass using an unknown Mill Hill conveyancing lawyer just because they are based in the area.