I was informed yesterday by my estate agent that my Smithfield solicitor is not on the lender Solicitor panel. How can I be certain that this is indeed the case?

You need to call your Smithfield conveyancer. It is reasonable to expect your lawyer to notify you of the situation. Where they are not on the panel they may recommend you to a Smithfield conveyancing practice that is on the approved list of lawyers for your bank.

I am considering applying for a Clydesdale mortgage for purchase of a newly converted (under development) in Smithfield with 65 per cent loan to value. Is it compulsory to choose a solicitor on the conveyancing panel for Clydesdale ?

There is nothing to stop you using your solicitor, but Clydesdale will insist on their interests being represented by a firm on their conveyancing panel. There is much more potential for delays and confusion with two solicitors involved, and it will undoubtedly be more expensive too.

What does a local search reveal regarding the house my wife and I purchasing in Smithfield?

Smithfield conveyancing often starts with the ordering local authority searches directly from your local Authority or via a personal search organisations for example Searches UK The local search plays a central part in most Smithfield conveyancing purchase; as long as you don’t want any unpleasant once you have moved into your new home. The search should reveal information on, amongst other things, details on planning applications relevant to the property (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.

It has been 4 months following my purchase conveyancing in Smithfield concluded. I have checked the Land Registry site which shows that I paid £175,000 when infact I paid £160,000. Why the discrepancy?

The price paid figure is taken from the application to register the purchase. It is the figure included in the Transfer (the legal deed which transfers the property from one person to the other) and referred to as the 'consideration' or purchase price. You can report an error in the price paid figure using the LR online form. In most cases errors result from typos so at first glance the figure. Do report it so they can double check and advise.

Are there any apps to help find a Smithfield conveyancing solicitor on the mortgage company conveyancing panel? I have a car and am prepared to travel up to 20kilometers to meet the conveyancer.

You can use the find a conveyancing panel search on this website. Please choose the lender and your location, in this case Smithfield and you will see a number of lawyer located nearest Smithfield. Alternatively you can type in the name of your proposed law firm and see if they are listed as being on the lender solicitor panel.