Change of solicitors after exchange

Extrageorge

Hi all

long story short we’re buying a new build and have been told by builder the completion will be 25th November. Completion on notice after we exchanged months ago. 

Got a phone call yesterday to say our solicitors are going out of business and will not be able to act on our behave so have recommended another solicitor. We have agreed and files have to transferred across. My question is with two week to go until completion what are the chances this will delay us? currently changing solicitors on mortgage offer via broker, updated with builder etc I’m just not sure what the process is for changing solicitors after exchange. Will it take longer than two weeks? The builders will serve notice on the 18th obviously I don’t want to run into penalties if we don’t complete 

simon_or

One of these?

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6400346/a-large-conveyancer-group-in-serious-trouble

That thread might give you some reassurance.

Extrageorge

Yes ours was part of BPL thanks for the link! 

diystarter7

OP

Sorry to hear about that. When trying to find a new solicitors outfit. Tell them where you are and what you expect and is there a very good chance they could ensure that completion went ahead as due. Indeed, there may be unforeseen circumstances but the last thing you want is a joker's outfit that wants your business and then drag their feet.

Extrageorge

Thanks for your reply

My file had already been transferred to another solicitor pending my instruction who I have now agreed to act on my behalf. 

Although I have been told the 25th by the builders, the new solicitors are adamant this could change until notice is served which I understand.

is there much work to do once contracts have been exchanged though? In my eyes all the leg work has been done. 

diystarter7

Extrageorge said:

Thanks for your reply

My file had already been transferred to another solicitor pending my instruction who I have now agreed to act on my behalf. 

Although I have been told the 25th by the builders, the new solicitors are adamant this could change until notice is served which I understand.

is there much work to do once contracts have been exchanged though? In my eyes all the leg work has been done. 

No, not really as everything should be sorted bar any last min questions and problems transferring monies and or the build not being completed.

We had problems with our mortgage money not getting to the right place years ago - it was before the days of the net and we were not getting the key to the house down the road and the buyers wanted the key from us. As it was only about 50 huses away off  the road we lived on we only hired a tail life as the place we were buying was chain free. It was a friday and I nearly cried, but ti got sorted by 2pm.  Not sure what happend never followed through as busy with new home and work at the time

I'm sure you will be ok but give the outfit a couple of calls to ensure all is well a week before and then a couple of days before the completion date

Good luck in you brand new place and I hope it makes you all very happy, happier.

Extrageorge

Sounds stressful! Thanks for your 2 cents, reading peoples responses has really put my mind to rest so I thank you for that 🙏

Ath_Wat

diystarter7 said:

Extrageorge said:

Thanks for your reply

My file had already been transferred to another solicitor pending my instruction who I have now agreed to act on my behalf. 

Although I have been told the 25th by the builders, the new solicitors are adamant this could change until notice is served which I understand.

is there much work to do once contracts have been exchanged though? In my eyes all the leg work has been done. 

We had problems with our mortgage money not getting to the right place years ago - it was before the days of the net and we were not getting the key to the house down the road and the buyers wanted the key from us. As it was only about 50 huses away off  the road we lived on we only hired a tail life as the place we were buying was chain free. It was a friday and I nearly cried, but ti got sorted by 2pm.  Not sure what happend never followed through as busy with new home and work at the time

I am admitting defeat on "tail life". Anyone?

user1977

Ath_Wat said:

diystarter7 said:

Extrageorge said:

Thanks for your reply

My file had already been transferred to another solicitor pending my instruction who I have now agreed to act on my behalf. 

Although I have been told the 25th by the builders, the new solicitors are adamant this could change until notice is served which I understand.

is there much work to do once contracts have been exchanged though? In my eyes all the leg work has been done. 

We had problems with our mortgage money not getting to the right place years ago - it was before the days of the net and we were not getting the key to the house down the road and the buyers wanted the key from us. As it was only about 50 huses away off  the road we lived on we only hired a tail life as the place we were buying was chain free. It was a friday and I nearly cried, but ti got sorted by 2pm.  Not sure what happend never followed through as busy with new home and work at the time

I am admitting defeat on "tail life". Anyone?

tail lift i.e.

trix-a-belle

Ath_Wat said:

diystarter7 said:

Extrageorge said:

Thanks for your reply

My file had already been transferred to another solicitor pending my instruction who I have now agreed to act on my behalf. 

Although I have been told the 25th by the builders, the new solicitors are adamant this could change until notice is served which I understand.

is there much work to do once contracts have been exchanged though? In my eyes all the leg work has been done. 

We had problems with our mortgage money not getting to the right place years ago - it was before the days of the net and we were not getting the key to the house down the road and the buyers wanted the key from us. As it was only about 50 huses away off  the road we lived on we only hired a tail life as the place we were buying was chain free. It was a friday and I nearly cried, but ti got sorted by 2pm.  Not sure what happend never followed through as busy with new home and work at the time

I am admitting defeat on "tail life". Anyone?

I expect they mean a tail lift (not life) van

pinkteapot

Extrageorge said:

Thanks for your reply

My file had already been transferred to another solicitor pending my instruction who I have now agreed to act on my behalf. 

Although I have been told the 25th by the builders, the new solicitors are adamant this could change until notice is served which I understand.

is there much work to do once contracts have been exchanged though? In my eyes all the leg work has been done. 

I would just ask the new solicitor. Give them a ring (or email them). Ask whether, given they've just taken the case over, they're confident they can complete by the 25th November if the builder gives appropriate notice that that will be the date.

If they say no, talk to the builder and explain what's happened and ask for a few days delay - they'll probably be sympathetic under the circumstances.

But, you're right that the vast majority of the work happens in the run-up to exchange, so I'm pretty sure they'll say it will be fine. As you've already exchanged contracts your previous solicitor did the work of looking into the house and advising you on whether it was safe (legally) to proceed on it, from which you agreed to exchange contracts.