Bogus law firm issues increase
Following 7 alerts since the 8th February regarding bogus solicitors firms the Solicitors Regulation Authority has issued a warning notice that is of particular relevance to all conveyancers entitled “Bogus law firms and identity theft”. Due to the high levels of sums involved in conveyancing, conveyancers are at particular risk of inadvertently sending funds to […]
Stephensons reduces burden of gazumping
Stephensons Solicitors with offices across the North West has developed and launched a service to help home buyers mitigate the costs associated with gazumping. Stephensons are not only a CQS firm, they are also member of Quality Solicitors and very active in seeking to grow their business. Stephensons website says they will reimburse buyers […]
SLC to recognise the Search Code
The Society of Licensed Conveyancers (SLC) has announced that it will be recognising the Search Code and will be urging its members to only accept and commission searches from Code compliant subscribers, with immediate effect. Over recent weeks, the SLC has met with the Council of Property Search Organisations (CoPSO), owner of the Code, […]
Land Registry data confirms consolidation
Last week Land Registry produced the figures for those organisations that hold accounts with it showing their activity for March 2012. Information relating to applications for transfers for value (i.e. an approximation of purchase activity) shows a substantial year on year increase in the number of applications but a similarly large reduction in the number […]
Repossessed properties and unhelpful solicitors
Repossessed property, it’s almost like a dirty word when your new client tells you that they intend to purchase one. The transactions are often fraught with difficulties and time constraints and more time is spent chasing outstanding points than in any other transaction, but why do our clients want to buy them? Dream home without […]
Solar panels: One more barrier for buyers?
Potential buyers are being urged to use caution when viewing properties that have solar panels fitted, according to RICS. Mortgage applications could be declined where the property’s roof space has been leased to a solar panel company. Buyers are already struggling to obtain the necessary mortgage finance needed to buy their new home but Banks […]
Record rainfall highlights future insurance issues
Over the past month the UK has seen record levels of rainfall, nearly twice that which we would normally expect for April. As of May 4th, the Environment Agency still has 82 flood warnings in force, 21 of these alerting homeowners that immediate action is required. Properties in flood risk areas can suffer devastating affects […]
SRA continues ARP premium enforcement
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) has imposed sanctions on 15 solicitors as a result of the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA) drive to enforce payment of insurance premiums, with hearings awaited for a further 15. The SRA, having stepped up enforcement measures against those firms in the ARP since 2010, are continuing their strong enforcement measures […]
SRA issue warning relating to firm’s website
The SRA have published the following warning to solicitors. “Information received by the SRA indicates that the website www.bains-cohen.com is not a legitimate website of solicitor’s practice Bains Cohen Solicitors LLP. Bains Cohen Solicitors LLP (SRA number 462404) is a legitimate solicitor’s practice, authorised by the SRA. The legitimate website of Bains Cohen Solicitors LLP […]
Drought sees Environment Agency issue 158 flood alerts
In response to the Environment Agency’s decision to issue 158 flood alerts, Richard Hinton, Business Development Director at SearchFlow has commented: “The growing threat of flooding around England and Wales is a reminder of the growing insurance risk the UK faces. Our research shows £214bn worth of property is at risk from flood in this […]
Halifax to pay half of stamp duty bill
In a bid to help home movers across the board, not just first time buyers, Halifax have announced an extension to their Stamp Duty Product to encompass all home movers purchasing property up to a value of £250,000.00. Initially launched back in March, to coincide with the end of the Government’s first time buyer stamp […]
Buying with Friends
First time buyers are still struggling to get on the housing ladder. A shortage of mortgage finance and house prices that are still, despite a decrease, out of reach means that first time buyers are finding alternative ways to get onto the housing ladder. Buying with friends and family isn’t new but seems to be […]
Increase in SVR will affect more than 1 million mortgage customers
An increase in the Standard Variable Rate (SVR) from four UK banks could see mortgage customers facing an additional £300 million in repayments over the next 12 months, according to Which?. Mortgage customers of Clydesdale Bank, Yorkshire Bank, Co-operative Bank and Halifax will see their monthly mortgage payments increase, with effect from 1st May. […]
Why conveyancing is not a simple business…
I went on a course last year called the PSC, for people aiming to qualify as solicitors. My own background is that as a Legal Executive I decided to go further and complete additional examinations as well as the Law Society’s requirements and hope to enrol as a solicitor having now jumped through all the […]
ETSOS hits right note at PROPERTYdrum B2B awards
Online search specialist and ancillary service provider, ETSOS, has hit just the right note at this year’s PROPERTYdrum B2B awards, scooping top honours in the Outsourced Services category. The judges were impressed by ETSOS’s one stop property shop approach, with the onus on innovation and product development geared to enhancing agents’ performance, efficiency and competitiveness. […]
FSA uses regulation round-up to warn firms about property hijacking
The FSA has released its April Regulation round-up for small firms, and has used the platform to warn firms about the possibility of property hijacking. This is where criminals try to raise mortgages on unencumbered properties which they do not own. Recent cases where mortgage brokers have been offered business by unknown introducers who […]
Last day to enter
Today is the last chance to enter the LFS Conveyancing Awards — with many firms using the awards to market their firm Richard Mathias of Law Firm Services asks "what better way than being crowned one of the Regional Conveyancers of the year ?" Enter today at http://www.lfsconveyancingawards.co.uk/
Double-dip recession could slow the housing market further
Quick Move Now’s Donna Houguez comments, in response to the UK’s entrance into a double-dip recession: “The announcement that the UK has entered its first double-dip recession since 1975, a situation expected to last well into the summer, adds further stress onto an already severely depressed housing market. Whereas a positive growth result may have […]
CQS firm named as ABS by SRA
Many have said that the conveyancing market has been open to external investment for some time. Examples have included Countrywide the estate agent working with Countrywide Conveyancing Services and myhomemove investing in Premier Property Lawyers. So what difference is ABS’s going to make if anything at all? Well it looks as if we are about […]
Bogus firm warnings from SRA
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is concerned enough about the number of fake law firms being set up that they have issued guidance to the public. This guidance is aimed at ensuring the public are able to establish whether the law firm they choose is a genuine law firm. A number of fake firms have […]