Frequently asked questions relating to the ASTRA mortgages Conveyancing Panel from members of the public
A solicitor my fiance and I had intended to instruct on a remortgage said he would charge more if my lender is because of their unusual legal requirements. Will I regret using ASTRA mortgages? Is ASTRA mortgages conveyancing so much more difficult?
ASTRA mortgages conveyancing requirements for their panel are no better or no more complicated than most lenders.
It is the case now the CML Handbook, the "bible" used by solicitors to establish lender requirements, is different for each lender.
It is not clear if your lawyer is on the ASTRA mortgages conveyancing panel. If they are not, this does add further risk of delay as ASTRA mortgages will appoint their own solicitors to look after their interest.
We are due to exchange on the purchase a house but as a result of damage from the recent storms I have agreed compensation from the seller of £3k approx by way of a reduction in the price. This was going to be dealt with as part of the conveyancing process but my mortgage company ASTRA mortgages will not agree to this. Why was ASTRA mortgages even consulted?
Your lawyer being on the ASTRA mortgages conveyancing panel is duty bound to inform ASTRA mortgages of any changes to the purchase price. If you were to refuse your lawyers to disclose the reduction to ASTRA mortgages then they would have to discontinue acting for you and ASTRA mortgages.
I am buying a property and require a conveyancing solicitor in London who is on the ASTRA mortgages approved. Can you recommend a local solicitor?
Our service is a directory service for firms who wish to be listed as being on the approved conveyancing panel for ASTRA mortgages . We don’t recommend any particular firm.
I am buying a garden flat and getting a mortgage with ASTRA mortgages. Can I do my own conveyancing?
Leaving aside the complexities and merits of DIY conveyancing you will have to appoint a solicitor on the ASTRA mortgages conveyancing panel to look after their interests. Most people therefore find it easier to let the solicitor act for them and the lender. Furthermore there is minimal cost savings to made in you doing to conveyancing for yourself and another lawyer conducting the conveyancing for the lender. Please feel free to use the search tool to find a lawyer on the ASTRA mortgages conveyancing panel in your location.
My existing mortgage is with ASTRA mortgages. My uncle retired last week and wants to pay off my mortgage. After ASTRA mortgages is paid, I want to transfer the property to my mother's name; How long does the process take? Do we need two separate solicitors on the ASTRA mortgages conveyancing panel? I do not intend to live at the property once the ASTRA mortgages mortgage is discharged.
You
will need a solicitor but they need not be on the ASTRA mortgages conveyancing panel.
You will need a solicitor to draw up the transfer and
to deal with the Land Registry formalities. The only thing you need to
consider is that by selling at an undervalue so ask your lawyer about
the implications. There could be an inheritance tax issue if you die
within 7 years of this. There's no capital gains tax for you as it is
your main residence.
I have decided to exercise my right to buy my property off the council. I have a mortgage offer with ASTRA mortgages. Conveyancing is new to me. Can I proceed without a solicitor easily? I think we can but we keep being told I should use one. Any advice?
It is not advisable 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 ASTRA mortgages you will need to appoint a solicitor on the ASTRA mortgages conveyancing panel.
Next month my fiance and I are acquiring a flat in Hendon. Conveyancing solicitors in Hendon will soon beinstructed. My brokeradvised that we make sure that the property lawyer in Hendon is on the ASTRA mortgages solicitors panel. Aren't all lawyers on the ASTRA mortgages panel?
Far from all Hendon conveyancing solicitors are on the ASTRA mortgages conveyancing panel. Click here to find a Hendon conveyancing firm on the on the ASTRA mortgages approved list of lawyers.