My wife and I are intent on buying a maisonette in Norbiton. My property lawyer is not on the bank approved list. Can I still continue with my Norbiton conveyancing solicitor even though they are not on the lender panel?

You must use a conveyancer to complete the formalities when you require a mortgage to purchase your home. They will carry out all the relevant due diligence on the property, ensuring that you will be registered as proprietor and ensure that all the required mortgage documentation is dealt with. One may instruct a Norbiton property lawyer of your choice. Nevertheless, where the conveyancer appointed is not a member of the bank conveyancing panel supplemental charges will arise as separate legal representation will be required by them. Conveyancing panel applications may be submitted, so if your conveyancer has not historically sought membership they can do so.

AssumingI was to acquire a freehold homein Norbiton for cash and have no survey and no local authority searches how much could I expect to have to pay for conveyancing in Norbiton?

Any savings you would gain would be limited to the disbursement for searches. The lawyer is required to do the vast majority of work - money laundering, correspond with your sellers conveyancer, stamp duty return, register the title etc. You might save a bit for them not needing to register a charge however it won't be a lot.

Why do I have to pay up front for conveyancing in Norbiton?

If you are buying a property in Norbiton your lawyer will request that you put them with funds to cover the the cost of the conveyancing searches. Normally this is called for to cover the fees of the Local Authority Search. If any down payment is as part of the sale price then this will be asked for shortly ahead of contracts are exchanged. The closing balance that is needed should be sent to your lawyer a few days ahead of the day of completion.

I am looking for a flat up to £195,000 and identified one close by in Norbiton I like with open areas and station nearby, the downside is that it's only got 52 years on the lease. There is not much else in Norbiton suitable, so just wondered if I would be making a grave error buying a lease with such few years left?

If you need a home loan the shortness of the lease will be an issue. Reduce the price by the amount the lease extension will cost if it has not already been discounted. If the existing proprietor has owned the property for a minimum of 2 years you can request that they commence the lease extension formalities and then assign it to you. An additional ninety years can be extended on to the current lease with a zero ground rent applied. You should speak to your conveyancing solicitor concerning this.

Should I cancel the direct debit for my mortgage with Coventry BS once a completion date for my sale in Norbiton has been agreed?

You are best advised to continue paying any mortgage sums to Coventry BS pending the mortgage being redeemed on completion as part of your Norbiton conveyancing.