My wife and I are planning to purchase a 3 bedroom apartment in Wendover with a mortgage. We like our Wendover solicitor, but the lender advise he's not on their "panel". We have to appoint one of the lender panel conveyancing practices or continue with our Wendover solicitor as well as pay for one of their panel lawyers to represent them. We regard this is unjust; is there anything we can do?

No, not really. Your mortgage offer is subject to its terms and conditions, one of which will be that lawyers will on the lender’s conveyancing panel. Until recently, most lenders had large numbers of law firms on their panels: a borrower could choose one for themselves, as long as it was on the lender's panel. The lender would then simply instruct the borrower's lawyers to act for the lender, too. You can use your lender's panel lawyers or you could borrow from another lender which does not restrict your choice. A further alternative is for your Wendover conveyancing lawyer to apply to be on the conveyancing panel.

Are the BSA intent on creating a online directory to list practices on the Coventry BS conveyancing panel for instance in Wendover?

We have not been informed any plans on the part of the BSA to promote such a search facility.

I am buying a new build flat in Wendover. Conveyancing is daunting at the best of times but I have never purchased a new build flat before. Can you give me some examples of some of the questions asked in new build legal work.

Set out below is a sample of a selection of leasehold new build questions that you should expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Wendover

Please supply a car parking plan. Will the freehold then be transferred for a nominal consideration (not exceeding £100) to the Management Company? The Lease must contain a provision on behalf of the Vendor to pay the service charges in respect of unoccupied units in order to ensure that all services can be provided. The Landlord must covenant to assume the management if the Management Company goes into liquidation or otherwise defaults in running the management scheme. The Vendor must covenant to keep unsold units in good repair until long leases are granted therefore.

Am I right to be suspicious by estate agents that I am dealing with are suggesting a web based conveyancing firm as opposed to a local Wendover conveyancing practice?

As is the case with lots of professional services, often suggestions from family and friends can be extremely useful or valuable. Nevertheless there are many people with a keen interest in a conveyancing transaction; estate agents, financial adviser and mortgage companies may suggest solicitors to use. Sometimes these solicitors might be known to one of the organisations as one of the best in their field, but sometimes there exists a financial incentive behind the recommendation. You are free to appoint your preferred lawyer. However, bear in mind that most lenders operate an approved list of lawyers you are obliged to use for the lender related work in your house move.

I need to instruct a conveyancing solicitor for freehold conveyancing in Wendover. I happened to discover a web site which looks to be the perfect offering If it is possible to get all the legals done via phone that would be ideal. Should I be wary? 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?