What does my ID and proof of funds have anything to do with my conveyancing in Riddlesdown? Is this really warranted?
To satisfy the Money Laundering Regulations any Riddlesdown conveyancing firm will require proof of identity in all conveyancing transactions. This is usually satisfied by provision of a passport and an original bank statement or utility bill showing where you live.
In accordance with Money Laundering Regulations, conveyancers are obliged by law to ascertain not simply the identity of conveyancing clients but also the origin of fund that they receive in respect of any matter. Refusal to disclose this may result in your solicitor cancelling their retainer with you, as clearly this will cause a conflict between the set Regulations and a refusal to disclose.
Your property lawyers will have an obligation to inform the relevant authorities should they consider that any monies received by them may contravene the Anti-terror and anti-money-laundering rules.
Will my conveyancing lawyers need to check that the building insurance for my purchase of a house in Riddlesdown. My lender is Virgin
Virgin have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook. As of 3/12/2025, the requirements read as follows :
I am assisting my step-mother sell her flat in Riddlesdown. Does the conveyancing solicitor arrange an EPC or it is for me to coordinate?
Following the demise of Home Information Packs, EPC’s was retained a compulsory element of selling a house. An energy performance certificate should be commissioned prior to the property being placed on the market. This is not something that conveyancers ordinarily arrange. Where you are instructing a Riddlesdown conveyancing lawyer they might help arrange energy assessments due to their relationships with long established Riddlesdown assessors
Are all Riddlesdown Conveyancing Quality Solicitors on the Virgin Money conveyancing list of approved firms?
A selection of banks and building societies now make use of the accreditation scheme as the kick off point for Panel approval such as HSBC and Santander. The Law Society’s CQS membership however is no guarantee to lender panel acceptance. That being said,the Council of Mortgage Lenders have indicated that it is likely to become a pre-requisite for solicitor practices wishing to join their panels.
I am currently in the process of buying my council flat in Riddlesdown. I have a mortgage offer with Skipton. 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 Skipton, you will need to appoint a solicitor on the Skipton conveyancing panel.
I need to retain a conveyancing solicitor for my conveyancing in Riddlesdown. I have chance upon a site which looks to be the ideal solution If there is a chance to get all the legals done via phone that would be preferable. Should I be concerned? What are the potential pitfalls?
As usual with these online conveyancers you need to read ALL the small print - did you notice the extra charge for dealing with the mortgage?
There are numerous properties in Riddlesdown on private roads. My partner and I are acquiring one such property. Are there any advantages to buying a house on a private road?
Riddlesdown conveyancing solicitors will be familiar with conveyancing homeson unadopted roads. Your conveyancer should investigate title to identify any rights or responsibilities. In many cases there is a management company (wholly owned by residents) that proprietors make annual contributions for the upkeep of the road. If there is one, the road will likely be maintained and look nicer than council owned.