Is the fact that my conveyancer in Stepney is not listed on my mortgage company's solicitor panel that there is a problem with the standard of his work?

That would most likely be an incorrect assumption to make. There are all sorts of perfectly reasonable explanations. Just recently a report by the solicitors regulator revealed 76% of law firms surveyed had been removed from at least one lender panel. The top 5 reasons are as follows: (1) lack of transactions (2) the lawyer is a sole practitioner (3) as part of the HSBC panel reduction (4) regulatory contact by SRA (5) accidental removal. If you are concerned you should simply call the Stepney conveyancing firm and enquire why they are no longer on the approved list for your bank.

The Stepney conveyancing firm handling our Stepney conveyancing has spotted an inconsistency between the surveyor’s assumptions in the home valuation report and what is in the conveyancing documents. My solicitor has advised that he is duty bound to ensure that the lender is OK with this discrepancy and is content to go ahead. Is my conveyancer’s stance legitimate?

Your conveyancer must comply with the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook specifications which do require that your lawyer disclose any incorrect assumptions in the lender’s valuation report and the legal papers. Should you refuse to allow your lawyer to make the appropriate notification then your lawyer will have no choice but to discontinue acting for you.

About to purchase a new build apartment in Stepney. Conveyancing is a frightening process 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 is a sample of a few leasehold new build enquiries that you can expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Stepney

Where there is an Undertaking being granted there is the risk of forfeiture of the Headlease subject to relief if one or more of the Underlessees are willing to accept the original Head Lessee’s obligations as otherwise relief will be denied to the Underlessees. The only alternatives are the Head Lessor agreeing not to forfeit the Headlease or the Head Lessee guaranteeing to the Underlessees that it will not be in breach of the Headlease. Forfeiture - bankruptcy or liquidation must not apply under this provision. Will control of the Management Company (if any) be handed over to purchasers on completion of the last sale or earlier? Investor purchasers must be able to freely grant unsecured tenancies at market rents without requiring any consents. There must be mutual enforceability of lessee’s covenants.

What advice can you give us when it comes to finding a Stepney conveyancing practice to carry out our lease extension conveyancing?

When appointing a solicitor for lease extension works (regardless if they are a Stepney conveyancing firm) it is most important that he or she should be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of conveyancing. We recommend that you talk with two or three firms including non Stepney conveyancing practices prior to instructing a firm. Where the conveyancing practice is ALEP accredited then that’s a bonus. The following questions might be of use:

How familiar is the firm with lease extension legislation? What are the legal fees for lease extension conveyancing?

After years of correspondence we are unable to agree with our landlord on how much the lease extension should cost for our flat in Stepney. Does the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal have jurisdiction to calculate the appropriate figures?

Most certainly. We are happy to put you in touch with a Stepney conveyancing firm who can help.

An example of a Freehold Enfranchisement matter before the tribunal for a Stepney property is 12, 14 & 16 Hull Close in May 2010. the Tribunal determined that the premium payable for the acquisition of the freehold to the subject premises was the sum of £18,300 This case related to 3 flats. The unexpired term as at the valuation date was 101.61 years.

My partner and I have recently had an offer accepted on our 1st house in Stepney, and are now looking to get solicitors appointed. We have made use of the different rating tools and the fee estimates are from all over the country. Is it important to have a Stepney conveyancer local to your prospective new home? I am willing to do all the communicating over email, but I assume at some point we may need to attend the conveyancer's office to sign papers?

Generally there is no need to physically visit the office of your property lawyer, they can send any relevant papers to you, which you can sign and return. Many buyers and sellers choose to use a locally based solicitor, but it's by no means essential for conveyancing in Stepney.