We have very brash sellers who has recommended a preliminary contract with a non-refundable deposit of 5k. Are such agreements sensible?

This type of preliminary agreement is not the norm in Thames View, conveyancers are often found to direct clients away from them as they divert attention from the primary focus, namely conveyancing and if you end up having your deposit forfeited then the lawyer at best left with an upset client and at worst a litigious one. In addition, there is no assurance that just because the owner has signed an exclusivity contract they will sell to you. They may breach the contract if they receive sufficient incentive to do so because an aggrieved purchaser with the benefit of a lockoutcontract will still be obliged show losses as a consequence of the breach and this may not equalise the financial upside that your seller may obtain by breaching the agreement, however morally shameful it undoubtedly is.

Can I be sure that the Thames View conveyancing solicitor on the panel is any good?

When it comes to conveyancing in Thames View getting recommendations is a good start. Before you go ahead, check if they offer a no sale no fee offer. Also, you often get what you pay for - a firm which quotes more, will often provide a better service than one advertising the lowest fees. We would always advocate that you speak with the lawyer conducting your conveyancing.

I am currently in the process of buying my council flat in Thames View. I have a mortgage agreed with . Conveyancing is new to me. Can I proceed without a solicitor easily? I think we can but we keep being told I should have one. Any advice?

It is not advisable to proceed with a house purchase without a solicitor. The council's solicitor are not acting for you. You need a solicitor for a number reasons. One of which is to verify what plans the Council have for repairs and refurbishment for the next five years. Many leaseholders have been stung for contributions of thousands of pounds. In any event, if you are getting a mortgage with , you will need to appoint a solicitor on the conveyancing panel.

I can not fathom if my lender obliges me to make sure the lease term for the flat is extended prior to the completion date. I have called my Thames View building society branch on a couple of occasions and was told they are content with the situation and they would lend. My Thames View conveyancing solicitor - who is on the bank conveyancing panel- called and was told they refuse to lend in accordance with their specific requirements. Who do I believe?

Provided that the is on the mortgage company panel, she or he must adhere to the Council of Mortgage Lenders’ Handbook provisions 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.

I am looking for a leasehold apartment up to £305k and found one round the corner in Thames View I like with open areas and railway links nearby, the downside is that it only has 61 years on the lease. There is not much else in Thames View suitable, so just wondered if I would be making a mistake purchasing a lease with such few years left?

Should you need a home loan the remaining unexpired lease term will be problematic. Discount the offer by the amount the lease extension will cost if not already taken into account. If the existing proprietor has owned the premises for at least 2 years you may request that they commence the lease extension formalities and then assign it to you. An additional ninety years can be extended on to the existing lease term with a zero ground rent applied. You should speak to your conveyancing lawyer concerning this matter.

Are there any apps to assist me to search for a Thames View solicitor on the conveyancing panel? I drive a motor bike and am prepared to travel upto 20kilometers to meet the lawyer.

You can use the search on this page. Please pick a bank and your location and you will see a number of Thames View conveyancing lawyers based on proximity. We have detailed some Thames View conveyancing firms towards the end of this page and you can ring them to check whether they are on the member panel

There are a number of properties in Thames View on private roads. I am purchasing one such property. Are there any benefits to purchasing a house on a private road?

Thames View conveyancing lawyers are used to conveyancing homeson unadopted roads. Your should review the title to identify any rights or responsibilities. It is possible that there is a residents association that owners make annual payments to maintain the road. Where one exists, the road will likely be maintained and look nicer than council owned.