In what way does my ID and proof of funds have anything to do with my conveyancing in Swindon? What am I being asked for?

You are right in the requirement set out by your lawyer has nothing to do with conveyancing in Swindon. However these days you will not be able to complete any conveyancing deal without first submitting proof of your identity. Ordinarily this takes the form of a either your passport or driving licence and a utility bill. Please note that if you are supplying your driving licence as evidence of ID it must be both the paper part as well as the photo card part, one is not satisfactory without the other.

Proof of your origin of monies is mandated in accordance with the Money Laundering Regulations. You should not be offended when when this is requested of you as your conveyancing solicitor must have this information on record. Your Swindon conveyancing lawyer will require evidence of proof of funds prior to accepting any money from you into their client account and they will also ask additional questions regarding the source of monies.

Can you clarify what the consequences are if my lawyer’s firm is expelled from the UBS Solicitor panel ahead of completing my conveyancing in Swindon?

First, this is a very rare occurrence. In most cases even where a law firm is removed off of a panel the lender would allow the completion to go ahead as the lender would appreciate the difficulties that they would place you in if you have to instruct a new solicitor days before completion. In a worst case scenario where the lender insists that you instruct a new firm then it is possible for a very good lawyer to expedite the conveyancing albeit that you may pay a significant premium for this. The analogous situation is where a buyer instructs a lawyer, exchanges contracts and the law firm is shut down by a regulator such as the SRA. Again, in this situation you can find lawyers who can troubleshoot their way to bring the conveyancing to a satisfactory conclusion - albeit at a cost.

There is lots of information on this site about conveyancing in Swindon but what is your top tip for appointing the right conveyancer in Swindon

Do not opt for the cheapest Swindon conveyancing fees. You really do get what you’re paying for when it comes to property lawyers. A cheap quote may mean that the conveyancing solicitor is handling a lot of jobs at one time and you won’t get the quality of service and the attention that you need. It is, however, wise to use a conveyancer who has a fixed fee on a no sale, no fee basis. This way, you go into the conveyancing with your eyes wide open.

We are purchasing a 3 bedroom semi in Swindon. Our aim is to carry out a loft conversion at the house.Will the conveyancing process involve investigations to ascertain if these alterations are prohibited?

Your property lawyer will check the registered title as conveyancing in Swindon can sometimes reveal restrictions in the title documents which prevent certain works or need the consent of a 3rd party. Many extensions call for local authority planning permissions and approval under the building regulations. Certain areas are designated conservation areas and special planning restrictions apply which frequently prevent or affect extensions. You should check these issues with a surveyor ahead of any purchase.

I am due to exchange contracts on my apartment. I had a double glazing fitted in July 2008, but did not receive a FENSA certificate or Building Regulation Certificate. My purchaser’s mortgage company, UBS are being problematic. The Swindon solicitor who is on the UBS conveyancing panel is recommending indemnity insurance as a solution but UBS are requiring a building regulation certificate. Why do UBS have a conveyancing panel if they don't accept advice from them?

It is probably the case that UBS have referred the matter to their valuer. The reason why UBS may not want to accept indemnity insurance is because it does not give them any reassurance that the double glazing was correctly and safely installed. The indemnity insurance merely protects against enforcement action which is very unlikely anyway.

I am buying a house and the solicitor has mentioned Chancel Repair for which the house could be obligated to contribute to because it falls into the area of such a church. He has recommended insurance. Is this really appropriate for conveyancing in Swindon

Unless a prior purchase of the house took place after 12 October 2013 you may take it that conveyancing practitioners conducting conveyancing in Swindon to continue to advocate a chancel search and or insurance against a claim.

I need to find a conveyancing solicitor for some conveyancing in Swindon. I have land on a web site which looks to be the perfect solution If it is possible to get all the legals 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?