Me and my partner are intending to acquire a 3 bedroom apartment in Whitstable with a mortgage. We like our Whitstable solicitor, but the bank advise she’s not on their "panel". We have to appoint one of the lender panel firms or retain our Whitstable as well as pay for one of their panel lawyers to act for them. This feels very unfair; is there anything we can do?

Unfortunately,no. The mortgage offered to you is subject to its terms and conditions, one of which will be that lawyers will on the lender’s conveyancing panel. Until recently, most lenders had large numbers of law firms on their panels: a borrower could choose 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. A further alternative is for your Whitstable conveyancing solicitor to apply to be on the conveyancing panel.

Can your site be used to recommend a Conveyancing solicitor in Whitstable even where I’m not purchasing or selling a house, for instance where I want to buy a shop in Whitstable with a mortgage from ?

Our comparison service is primarily there to get a quote from residential conveyancing solicitors in Whitstable but we have set out at the bottom of this page a few Whitstable commercial conveyancing firms. You should make contact with the firm directly to check if they can also act for

I am buying a new build flat in Whitstable. Conveyancing is daunting 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.

Set out below are examples of a selection of leasehold new build questions that you can expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Whitstable

Where service of notices and proceedings can be at the property demised please confirm that this can be amended to include simultaneous services at the Lessees’ solicitors’ offices where the Lessee from time to time is not resident in the UK - such solicitors may be varied by notice in writing to the Landlord from time to time but otherwise will be as previously specified. Please provide evidence that the form of Lease proposed has been approved by the Land Registry. Forfeiture - bankruptcy or liquidation must not apply under this provision. 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. The Landlord must covenant to assume the management if the Management Company goes into liquidation or otherwise defaults in running the management scheme.

Should I be wary that 3rd parties that I am dealing with are suggesting a national conveyancing firm as opposed to a High Street Whitstable conveyancing practice?

As is the case with lots of professional services, often input from relatives can be very helpful. But there are lots of players in a conveyancing matter; estate agents, financial adviser and lenders may suggest lawyers to retain. Sometimes these conveyancers might be known to one of the organisations as one of the best in their field, but occasionally there behind the scenes commercial relationship behind the recommendation. You have the discretion to appoint your own lawyer. Don't forget that most banks specify a panel list of lawyers you have to use for the lender aspect of your conveyancing.

We are a couple of weeks into a leasehold purchase having been recommend to a firm by the selling agent to perform conveyancing in Whitstable. I am am very dissatisfied with the quality of service. Can you help me find new lawyers?

They would have to be very bad to suggest diss instructing them. Has your mortgage been generated? If so you need to advise them of the replacement lawyer and get the mortgage documents are issued to the new lawyers. The solicitor ideally needs to be on the lenders approved list to avoid escalating costs and delays. That should be your first question of the new solicitors. Our search tool can assist you in finding a lender approved solicitor for your home move in Whitstable