I have a decision in principle. The bank mentioned the home loan came with free conveyancing. Is the implication that I have to appoint their panel solicitor as I would prefer to appoint a Becontree based conveyancing firm?

You should check but the the probability is that allocate you one of their panel conveyancers where you want the "fee-free" deal. Call the bank and determine if they offer you a cash alternative. It is not unheard for a lender to give a £250 cashback as an alternative in which case that money can go towards your preferred conveyancing solicitor in Becontree.

What will a local search inform me about the property my wife and I purchasing in Becontree?

Becontree conveyancing often starts with the applying for local authority searches directly from your local Authority or via a personal search organisations for instance Onsearch The local search plays an important part in most Becontree conveyancing purchase; as long as you wish to avoid any unpleasant surprises after you move into your property. The search will provide information on, amongst other things, details on planning applications applicable to the property (whether granted or refused), building control history, any enforcement action, restrictions on permitted development, nearby road schemes, contaminated land and radon gas; in all a total of 13 topic headings.

I'm purchasing my first flat in Becontree benefiting from help to buy. The sellers would not reduce the amount so I negotiated £7000 of extras instead. The property agent advised me not disclose to my lawyer about the extras as it will jeopardize my mortgage with Britannia. Is this normal?.

All lenders require a Disclosure of Incentives Form from the developer of any new build, converted or renovated property, It is available online from the Lenders’ Handbook page on the CML website. CML form is completed and handed to the lender's surveyor when the inspection is done.

Lenders have different policies on incentives. Some accept none at all, cash or physical, while others will accept cash incentives up to 5%.

Hard to understand why the representative of a builder would be suggesting you withold information from a solicitor when all this will be clearly visible on forms the builder has to supply to its solicitor, the buyer's solicitor and the surveyor.

Should I be suspicious about brokers that I am dealing with are encouraging me to use an internet conveyancing firm as opposed to a High Street Becontree conveyancing firm?

As with lots of service providers, often input from connections can be very helpful. Yet there are lots of parties with a keen interest in a conveyancing matter; estate agents, mortgage brokers and lenders may put forward conveyancers to appoint. On occasion the solicitors might be known to one of the organisations as one of the best in their field, but sometimes there may be a commercial relationship behind the recommendation. You have the discretion to appoint your own conveyancer. However, bear in mind that some mortgage providers operate an approved list of lawyers you have to use for the mortgage related work in your home move.

My uncle has recommend that I use his conveyancers in Becontree. Should I choose my own property lawyer?

There are no two ways about it the best way to choose a conveyancing solicitor is to seek referrals from friends or relatives who have experience in using the solicitor you're contemplating using.