My IFA requires my Astley solicitor’s panel reference for the Santander conveyancing panel. What is the best way to obtain this. I have contacted my local Astley branch but they don't know it.
You are best placed to get this information from your Astley solicitor . They should have a central record lender panel numbers.
I am acquiring a property without a mortgage in Astley. I have lived for the last dozen years in Astley. Conveyancing searches are expensive. Given that I have knowledge of the road and vicinity intimately should I not bother getting the solicitor to do all the conveyancing searches?
In the absence of a mortgage, then all but one or two of the Astley conveyancing searches are non-obligatory. Your lawyer will 'advise', no-doubt strongly, that you should have searches done, but she has a professional duty to take that path of advice. One thing to consider; if you are intend to dispose of the house in the future, it will likely be be of relevance to your prospective buyer what the searches reveal. On occasion houses with apparent issues can still throw up adverse search results. A good conveyancing solicitor in Astley should provide you some sensible advice here.
What will a local search inform me about the house my wife and I buying in Astley?
Astley conveyancing often commences with the ordering local authority searches directly from your local Authority or via a personal search company for example Xpress Legal The local search is essential in every Astley conveyancing purchase; that is if you wish to avoid any nasty once you have moved into your new home. The search should supply information on, amongst other things, details on planning applications relevant to the premises (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 subject areas.
Yesterday I discovered that there is a flying freehold issue on a property I have offered on last month in what was supposed to be a straight forward, no chain conveyancing. Astley is the location of the property. Is there any guidance you can impart?
Flying freeholds in Astley are unusual but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even where you use a solicitor outside Astley you must be sure that your lawyer goes through the deeds very carefully. Your lender may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Astley may determine that this is not enough and that the deeds be re-written to give you the most up to date legal protection. If so, the next door neighbour also had to sign up to the revised deeds.It is possible that your lender will not accept the situation so the sooner you find out the better. You should also check with your insurance broker as to whether they will insure a flying freehold premises.
I yesterday found out that one of the partners of the law firm undertaking the purchase conveyancing in Astley is an aunty of the owners that we are purchasing from. Is this acceptable?
As long as no conflict arises this should be fine. Where you are obtaining mortgage finance then the bank may have a say as many mortgage companies have specific requirements concerning this. For example for Clydesdale Bank as of 13/10/2025, the requirements read as follows :