We are purchasing our first property. Our solicitor has messagedto check if we would like to purchase extra conveyancing searches. Frankly we in the dark as to what's appropriate for conveyancing in Astwood Bank

The extent of Astwood Bank conveyancing searches should be triggered based entirely on the property, the location, the probability of any of these risks, your familiarity of the area and risks, your general approach to risk. What matters is that you properly understand what information the searches could give you. Then you can make a decision if you personally think you need that search. Where you are in doubt, ask the conveyancing practitioner to provide guidance.

Can you explain why leasehold purchase conveyancing in Astwood Bank is more expensive?

The conveyancing charges on a leasehold premises in Astwood Bank is frequently greater as compared to a freehold residence. This is due to the supplemental time required in communicating with the landlord and managing agents to collate the information about whether the rent and maintenance fee have been cleared and whether there are any significant expenditure in the foreseeable future on repairs or maintenance of the block.

I am considering applying for a RBS mortgage for purchase of a new build (under development) in Astwood Bank with 60% LTV. Is it compulsory to choose a solicitor on the conveyancing panel for RBS ?

In theory, you could use a solicitor that is not on the RBS conveyancing panel, but RBS would require one of their panel solicitors to be instructed to act in their interests, and you'd have to pay for this - so most people instruct a panel solicitor. It's also easier, as otherwise you'd have to deal with two solicitors for the same conveyancing matter.

Is it necessary to pay for insurance to protect me from financial exposure to chancel repairs when buying a property in Astwood Bank?

Unless a previous acquisition of the property completed post 12 October 2013 you could assume that conveyancing practitioners carrying out conveyancing in Astwood Bank to remain recommending a chancel search and or chancel repair liability policy.

I used Arc property Solicitors a few years ago for my conveyancing in Astwood Bank. Now, I need the files however the law firm is no longer operating. What do I do?

You should call the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) to help locate your conveyancing files. They can be contacted on please contact on 0870 606 2555. Alternatively, you should use their online form to make an enquiry. You will need to provide the SRA with as much information as possible to assist their search, including the name and address in Astwood Bank of the conveyancing firm of solicitors you previously hired, the name of conveyancing solicitor with whom you had dealings, and the date on which you last had dealings with the firm.