When it comes to mortgage companies such as Co-operative, do Woodford conveyancers have to pay an annual charge to be on the conveyancing panel?

We are not aware of any bank fees to be on their panel, although some do levy an administration charge to deal with the processing of the conveyancing panel application.

How can we tell if a Woodford conveyancing solicitor on the Co-operative panel is any good?

When it comes to conveyancing in Woodford getting recommendations is a sensible 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 which is cheap as chips. We would always advise that you speak with the lawyer carrying out your transaction.

The formalities of my purchase has taken place for my property in Woodford. Conveyancing was satisfactory but I would like to complain about the lender. How does one go about formally complaining?

Almost all banks and building societies have complaints procedures. Your first point of contact should be one of the lender’s branches or the Customer Care Department at head office. We understand that complaints to a lender are sorted out effectively and efficiently. However if you are not satisfied that the matter is not resolved you can write to Financial Ombudsman Service, South Quay Plaza, 183 Marsh Wall, London E14 9SR with full details of your complaint.

What will a local search inform me concerning the house my wife and I buying in Woodford?

Woodford conveyancing often commences with the ordering local authority searches directly from your local Authority or through a personal search organisations for example Searchflow The local search is essential in every Woodford conveyancing purchase; as long as you don’t want any unpleasant surprises after you move into your property. The search will supply information on, amongst other things, details on planning applications relevant to the premises (whether granted or refused), building control history, any enforcement action, restrictions on permitted development, nearby road schemes, contaminated land and radon gas; in all a total of 13 subject areas.

How does conveyancing in Woodford differ for newly converted properties?

Most buyers of new build residence in Woodford come to us having been asked by the housebuilder to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the residence is completed. This is because house builders in Woodford typically buy the real estate, plan the estate and want to get the plots sold off as they are building the properties. Buyers, therefore, will have to exchange contracts without actually seeing the house they are buying. To reduce the chances of losing the property, buyers should instruct conveyancers as soon as the property is reserved and mortgage applications should be submitted quickly. Due to the fact that it could be several months and even years between exchange of contracts and completion, the mortgage offer may need to be extended. It would be wise to use a lawyer who specialises in new build conveyancing especially if they are used to new build conveyancing in Woodford or who has acted in the same development.

I decided to have a survey completed on a house in Woodford prior to appointing lawyers. I have been advised that there is a flying freehold aspect to the house. My surveyor advised that some banks tend refuse to give a mortgage on such a property.

It varies from the lender to lender. HSBC has different requirements from Halifax. If you contact us we can investigate further via the relevant mortgage company. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can assist as they are used to dealing with flying freeholds in Woodford. Conveyancing may be slightly more expensive based on your lender's requirements.

I am planning to acquire a flat and need a conveyancing solicitor in Woodford who is on the lender conveyancing panel. Can you recommend a Woodford or local Woodford conveyancing firm?

Our service is limited to being a directory service for firms who wish to listed as being on the approved conveyancing panel for the mortgage company who do conveyancing in Woodford. We dont recommend any particular conveyancing practice.