Do the Building Society Association intend to launch a online directory to to identify solicitors on the Earl Shilton BS conveyancing panel for example in Machen?

We would not expect to be advised of any plans on the part of the BSA to develop such a register.

Are there restrictive covenants that are commonly identified during conveyancing in Machen?

Restrictive covenants can be picked up when reviewing land registry title as part of the process of conveyancing in Machen. An 1874 stipulation that was seen was ‘The houses to be erected on the estate are each to be of a uniform elevation in accordance with the drawings to be prepared or approved by the vendor’s surveyor…’

I am buying a new build house in Machen with a loan from TSB. The builders refused to reduce the price so I negotiated £7000 of additionals instead. The estate agent told me not to tell my solicitor about this extras as it would jeopardize my loan with the lender. Do I keep my lawyer in the dark?.

All lenders require a Disclosure of Incentives Form from the builder 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.

I have been pointed in your direction by numerous property agents in Machen to find a solicitor using your seach tool. Is there a financial inducement for Estate Agents to recommend your lawyers over another?

We refuse to give any financial incentive for pointing buyers and sellers to this site. We thought it would be too underhand a fee as home movers will think, ‘How come the agent getting a kickback? Why am I not receiving any benefit too?’ We would prefer to grow our business on genuine recommendations.

I need to instruct a conveyancing solicitor for sale conveyancing in Machen. I've discover a site which appears to be the perfect offering If it is possible to get all this stuff done via phone that would be preferable. Should I be concerned? What are the potential pitfalls?

As usual with these online conveyancers you need to read ALL the small print - did you notice the extra charge for dealing with the mortgage?