I am getting a mortgage with Halifax. I intend to retain the legal services of a Licensed Conveyancer in Sleaford. Does the Halifax Conveyancing panel allow for conveyancers regulated by the CLC?

The Halifax conveyancing panel is, like many other lenders, associated to the Council or Mortgage Lenders or Building Society Association, open to Licensed Conveyancers regulated by the CLC.

I am told that my conveyancing solicitors will need to check that the building insurance when buying a house in Sleaford. My lender is The Mortgage Works

The Mortgage Works have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook. As of 13/12/2024, the requirements read as follows :

Does a directory service exist listing Nottingham panel conveyancers in Sleaford on the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook Website?

No. There is no such facility on the CML or Building Society Association websites. A small selection of lending institutions make their panel listings viewable over the internet. If you are seeking to appoint a Sleaford solicitor on the Nottingham please make the most of our tool.

I can not work out if my bank obliges me to make sure the lease term for the flat is extended prior to the completion date. I have called into my local Sleaford building society branch on a couple of occasions and was advised it wasn't an issue and they would lend. My Sleaford conveyancing solicitor - who is on the lender conveyancing panel- telephoned to say that they refuse to lend in accordance with their published requirements. Who do I believe?

As long as the solicitor is on the mortgage company approved list, they must adhere to the Council of Mortgage Lenders’ Handbook specifications for the bank. Unless your lawyer obtains specific confirmation in writing that the mortgage company will go ahead, your lawyer has no choice but to refrain from exchanging contract and committing you to the purchase. We would suggest that you ask the bank to contact your lawyer in writing confirming that they will accept the number of years remaining.

HSBC have agreed my home loan in principle, my offer on a flat in Sleaford has been accepted, what are the next steps?

The estate agent will want to know who your solicitors are (ensure that the conveyancing practitioners are on the bank’s panel). Contact HSBC or your broker and finalise any outstanding documentation. HSBC will appoint a valuer who will get in touch with the selling agent or seller to book a time for the valuation to happen. Once carried out (assuming no problems) it takes on average a week for the mortgage offer to be issued. HSBC will issue the offer to you and your conveyancing practitioners. The transaction will then take it’s course according the nature and complexity of the conveyancing in Sleaford.

Am I best advised to go with a Sleaford conveyancing solicitor based in the vicinity that I am buying? We have a good friend who can perform the legal formalities however her office is 400kilometers away.

The primary upside of using a high street Sleaford conveyancing firm is that you can pop in to execute paperwork, deliver your identification documents and apply pressure on them if necessary. They will also have local knowledge which is a benefit. However nothing is more important than finding someone that will do a good and efficient job. If if people you trust instructed your friend and in the main were content that must outweigh using an unfamiliar Sleaford conveyancing solicitor just because they are local.

Please can you explain what my options are where my Sleaford conveyancing searches reveals adverse results?

Ordinarily, almost all adverse entries that arise in Sleaford conveyancing search responses can be dealt with before completion or indemnity insurance could possibly be put on cover. You need to remember that although you intend on purchasing the property and might be willing to live with the search results, your lender may not, and when all said and done the decision rests with them.