Last September we completed a house move in Balham. We have noticed several problems with the house which we believe were overlooked in the conveyancing searches. Do we have any recourse? Can you clarify the type of searches that should have been ordered for conveyancing in Balham?

The question is vague as what problems have arisen and if they are unique to conveyancing in Balham. Conveyancing searches and investigations undertaken as part of the legal transfer of property are designed to help avoid problems. As part of the legal transfer of property, the vendor completes a document called a Seller’s Property Information Form. answers ends up being inaccurate, you could possibly take legal action against the vendor for any losses that you have suffered. The survey should have identified any problems with the structure of the property. Assuming a detailed survey was carried out and the issues were not identified, you may have a claim against the surveyor. However, if you did not have a full survey, you may be responsible for fixing any defects that have now been noted. We would always encourage buyers to take every possible step to ensure they are completely aware of the condition of a property before purchase regardless of whether they are buying in Balham.

Will my conveyancing lawyers need to check that the building insurance for my purchase of a house in Balham. My lender is Tesco Bank

Tesco Bank have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook. As of 17/1/2026, the requirements read as follows :

Can I be sure that the Balham conveyancing solicitor on the Coventry BS panel is any good?

When it comes to conveyancing in Balham obtaining recommendations is a good starting point. 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 recommend that you speak with the solicitor carrying out your conveyancing.

I had a mortgage agreed in principle with Lloyds. Balham conveyancing solicitors are chosen. How long does it take for Lloyds to forward the offer to the solicitor?

There is no definitive answer here. Have Lloyds conducted the survey? Have you advised Lloyds as to your lawyers' details and checked that your lawyers are on the Lloyds conveyancing panel? It is not unusual for a mortgage offer to take a month to come through.

Principality have agreed my home loan in principle, my offer on a flat in Balham has been agreed to, what happens next?

Your estate agent will wish to be informed of your solicitor's details (ensure that the property lawyers are on the lender’s panel). Telephone Principality or the broker and finish off any outstanding forms. Principality will appoint a valuer who will get in touch with the estate agent or owners to book an appointment. Once carried out (assuming no problems) it takes approximately a fortnight for the mortgage offer to be issued. Principality will send the offer to you and your property lawyers. The legal work will then take it’s course according the nature and complexity of the conveyancing in Balham.

Hoping to buy a property located in Balham and I am already nervous. I couldn't find anything specific about Balham. Conveyancing will be needed in due course but do you know about the Balham area? or perhaps some other tips you can share?

Rather than looking online forget looking online you should go and have a look at Balham. In the meantime here are some basic statistics that we found

Do you have any top tips for leasehold conveyancing in Balham from the point of view of speeding up the sale process?

• A significant proportion of the delay in leasehold conveyancing in Balham can be reduced where you instruct lawyers the minute your agents start advertising the property and request that they start to put together the leasehold documentation needed by the buyers’ representatives.
Many freeholders or Management Companies in Balham levy fees for providing management packs for a leasehold home. You or your lawyers should discover the fee that they propose to charge. The management pack can be applied for as soon as you have a buyer, thus reducing delays. The typical amount of time it takes to receive management information is three weeks. It is the most frequent cause of frustration in leasehold conveyancing in Balham. If you have the benefit of shareholding in the freehold, you should make sure that you have the original share certificate. Obtaining a new share certificate can be a lengthy formality and delays many a Balham conveyancing deal. Where a duplicate share is necessary, you should approach the company officers or managing agents (where applicable) for this at the earliest opportunity. If you have had any disputes with your freeholder or managing agents it is very important that these are resolved before the property is put on the market. The purchasers and their solicitors will be nervous about purchasing a property where a dispute is unsettled. You will have to accept that you will have to pay any arrears of service charge or settle the dispute prior to the buyers completing the purchase. It is therefore preferable to have any dispute settled prior to the contract papers being issued to the buyers’ solicitors. You will still have to reveal particulars of the dispute to the purchasers, but it is better to reveal the dispute as over as opposed to ongoing.

I have tried to negotiate informally with with my landlord for a lease extension without getting anywhere. Can the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal decide on such issues? Can you recommend a Balham conveyancing firm to act on my behalf?

Most certainly. We are happy to put you in touch with a Balham conveyancing firm who can help.

An example of a Lease Extension matter before the tribunal for a Balham premises is First Floor Flat 152a Ramsden Road in June 2009. The net result of the tribunals calculation produced a premium payable of £23,975. This case affected 1 flat. The number of years remaining on the existing lease(s) was 56.67 years.