We are acquiring a new build flat in Greater Manchester and my conveyancer is telling me that she is duty bound to the lender to reveal incentives from the builder. I am nearing the developer’s deadline to exchange and I have no desire to delay the conveyancing. Is my lawyer right?
You should not exchange unless you have been advised to do so by your conveyancing practitioner. A precondition to being on a mortgage company panel is to comply with the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook requirements. The CML Conveyancing Handbook requires that your lawyer have the appropriate Disclosure of Incentive form completed by the developer and accepted by your lender.
I have 71 years unexpired on my lease and need a lease extension for my apartment in Greater Manchester. Conveyancing solicitors on the Virgin panel can deal with such extensions correct?
Most leasehold conveyancing experts should be able to deal with a lease extension. if you are getting a mortgage then your lender may insist that the lease be extended before competition. Virgin have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook in relation to minimum unexpired lease terms. As of 28/8/2026 the requirements read as follows :
How does conveyancing in Greater Manchester differ for newly converted properties?
Most buyers of new build residence in Greater Manchester contact us having been asked by the developer to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the premises is constructed. This is because house builders in Greater Manchester typically acquire 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 property lawyers 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 accustomed to new build conveyancing in Greater Manchester or who has acted in the same development.
Am I right to be suspicious that third parties that I am dealing with are recommending a web based conveyancing firm rather than a local Greater Manchester conveyancing practice?
As is the case with lots of service providers, often referrals from family and friends can be very helpful. But there are lots of players in a conveyancing matter; estate agents, mortgage brokers and lenders might all suggest lawyers to choose. Sometimes the conveyancers might be known to one of the organisations as one of the best in their field, but sometimes there may be a financial incentive behind the recommendation. You have the right to select your own lawyer. However, bear in mind that some banks specify a panel list of solicitors you have to use for the mortgage aspect of your transaction.
My father has recommend that I appoint his lawyers for conveyancing in Greater Manchester. Should I use them?
Much as we are happy to recommend a Greater Manchester conveyancing lawyer the ideal way to find a conveyancing lawyer is to get feedback from friends or relatives who have actually previously instructed the firm that you are considering.
I recently discovered that one of the partners of the law firm acting on the purchase conveyancing in Greater Manchester is an uncle of the seller. Is this allowed?
Provided there is no conflict of interest this is permitted. If you are obtaining a mortgage then the mortgage company may have a say as many mortgage companies have specific instructions concerning this. For example for Virgin as of 28/8/2026, the requirements read as follows :