Find a Law Firm
approved by Astra Mtgs
Ready to buy a new home? Failing to check that a lawyer is on the Astra Mtgs list of approved solicitors can put your transaction at risk of delay or failure.
Find an Approved Solicitor on the ASTRA mortgages Conveyancing Panel
Common questions asked concerning the ASTRA mortgages Conveyancing Panel
I am expecting a mortgage with ASTRA mortgages. I intend to use a Licensed Conveyancer. Does the ASTRA mortgages Solicitor panel exclude conveyancers regulated by the CLC
ASTRA mortgages’s approved solicitor list is, like many other lenders associated to the Council or Mortgage Lenders or Building Society Association, open to Licensed Conveyancers regulated by the Council of Licensed Conveyancers.
I am purchasing a newly constructed flat and my solicitor is telling me that she has to disclose incentives from the developer as her practice is on the ASTRA mortgages conveyancing panel. I am nearing the developer’s deadline to exchange contracts and I have no desire to prolong matters. Can I insist on an exchange regardless of what my lawyer says about being on the ASTRA mortgages panel?
You should not exchange unless you have advised to do so by your lawyer. A precondition to being on the ASTRA mortgages approved panel is to comply with the CML Handbook requirements (last updated for this lender on ASTRA mortgages). The CML Conveyancing Handbook requires that your lawyer have the appropriate Disclosure of Incentive form completed by the developer and accepted by your lender.
How up to date is your database of lawyers on the ASTRA mortgages conveyancing panel? Do ASTRA mortgages send you an updated list?
The law firm practices themselves provide us confirmation that they are on the ASTRA mortgages conveyancing panel as opposed to being supplied with a list from ASTRA mortgages directly.
I am in the process of remortgaging my house does my lawyer need to be on the ASTRA mortgages Solicitor panel?
In theory, you could use a solicitor that is not on ASTRA mortgages conveyancing panel, but ASTRA mortgages would require one of their panel solicitors to be instructed to act in their interests, and you'd have to pay for this - so most people instruct a panel solicitor. It's also easier, as otherwise you'd have to deal with two solicitors for the same conveyancing matter.
My wife and I have arranged a further advance on our mortgage from ASTRA mortgages as we wish to carry out a loft conversion to our home. Do we need to appoint a solicitor on the ASTRA mortgages conveyancing panel to deal with the legals?
ASTRA mortgages do not ordinarily instruct firms on their conveyancing panel to deal with such a matter. If they did require any legal work then you would need to ensure that such a lawyer was on the ASTRA mortgages list
Two weeks ago we had a mortgage agreed in principle with ASTRA mortgages. Solicitors have been instructed? What is the average time that one could expect to receive a mortgage offer from ASTRA mortgages?
Some lenders take longer than others. Have ASTRA mortgages conducted the valuation? Have you advised ASTRA mortgages as your lawyers details and checked that your lawyer is on the ASTRA mortgages conveyancing panel? sometimes it can take as long as six weeks for a mortgage offer to be issued
It is not clear whether my mortgage offer requires a lease extension . I have called into my local branch ASTRA mortgages on numerous occasions and was told they are content with the situation and they would lend. My solicitor - who is on the ASTRA mortgages conveyancing panel- telephoned and was told not they would not lend in accordance with their CML Handbook minimum lease term requirements. I simply dont know who is right
Your lawyer has to follow the CML Handbook Part 2 requirements for ASTRA mortgages. Unless your lawyer obtains specific confirmation in writing that ASTRA mortgages 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 ASTRA mortgages to contact your lawyer in writing confirming that they will accept the remaining number of years left on the lease.