We are purchasing a 3 bedroom apartment in Chippenham with a mortgage. We have a Chippenham lawyer, but the lender says she’s not on their "panel". It seems we have no option but to use one of the bank panel firms or retain our Chippenham as well as pay for one of their panel lawyers to act for them. This feels very unfair; is there anything we can do?

No, not really. The mortgage offered to you is subject to its terms and conditions, one of which will be that lawyers will on the bank’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. Another option that might be available is for your Chippenham conveyancing solicitor to apply to be on the conveyancing panel.

What does my ID and proof of funds have anything to do with my conveyancing in Chippenham? Why is this being asked of me?

It is indeed that case that these requests have nothing to do with conveyancing in Chippenham. However these days you can not complete any conveyancing deal if you have not handing over proof of your identity. This usually takes the form of a either your passport or driving licence and a bank statement. Remember if you are providing your driving licence as proof of ID it needs to be both the paper element and photo card part, one is not acceptable in the absence of the other.

Proof of your origin of monies is required in accordance with the Money Laundering Regulations. You should not be offended when you are asked to produce this as your conveyancer must have this information on record. Your Chippenham conveyancing practitioner will require evidence of proof of funds before they are able to accept any money from you into their client account and they should also ask additional questions concerning the origin of monies.

I am buying a terraced house in Chippenham. How practical is it for me to do the conveyancing?

Leaving aside the complexities and merits of DIY conveyancing in Chippenham you will have to appoint a solicitor on your mortgage company's conveyancing panel to look after their interests. Most people therefore find it easier to let the solicitor act for them and the lender. Furthermore there is minimal cost savings to be made in you doing conveyancing for yourself and another lawyer conducting the conveyancing for the lender. Please feel free to use the search tool to find a lawyer on your lender panel in Chippenham.

What is your number one tip for choosing a conveyancing solicitor in Chippenham

We would encourage you not to go for the cheapest Chippenham conveyancing quote. You really do get what you pay 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.

Forgive me if this question is silly but I am wet behind the ears as FTB of a ground floor flat in Chippenham. Do I receive the keys to the house on completion from my conveyancer? If so, I will instruct a local conveyancing solicitor in Chippenham?

On the day of completion you will not be required to attend the conveyancers office in Chippenham. Your solicitors will electronically transfer the purchase money to the owner’s solicitors, and shortly after the monies have arrived, you should be called to receive the keys from the Estate Agents and move into your new home. Usually this happens between 1 and 3pm.

I was told three weeks ago that my mortgage has been agreed to by . Is it usual for to only issue the offer once my solicitor in Chippenham is approved on their conveyancing panel? have asked my solicitor to see a copy of their PI Insurance.

A lender would not issue an offer until they have details of a lawyer on their panel. It can take a few weeks for to deal with your lawyer's application to be on the conveyancing panel. There's no guarantee that your solicitor will be accepted.

My step-father has suggested that I appoint his conveyancers in Chippenham. Should I choose my own property lawyer?

Much as we are happy to recommend a Chippenham conveyancing lawyer it’s preferable to select a conveyancing practitioner is to have recommendations from friends or family who have experience in using the firm you're considering.