My husband and I are planning to acquire a 3 bedroom flat in Cholsey with a mortgage. We like our Cholsey lawyer, however the mortgage company advise he's not on their "panel". We have to appoint one of the lender panel solicitors or retain our Cholsey lawyer and pay for one of their panel ones to act for them. This seems very unfair; 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. Another option that might be available is for your Cholsey conveyancing lawyer to apply to be on the conveyancing panel.

My god-son is purchasing a house that has just been built in Cholsey with a mortgage from UBS. His lawyer has advised him of a delay in receiving the ‘Disclosure of Incentive Form’. Who needs to receive the form?

The form is intended to provide information to the main parties engaged in the transaction. Therefore, it will be provided to your son’s lawyer who should be on the UBS conveyancing panel as a standard part of the process, and to the surveyor when asked. The developer will be required to start the process by downloading the form and completing it. The form will therefore need to be available for the valuer at the time of his or her site visit. The form should be sent to the UBS conveyancing panel solicitor as early as possible, in order to avoid any last minute delays, and no later than at exchange of contracts.

I am buying a new build apartment in Cholsey. Conveyancing is a frightening process 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 are examples of a few leasehold new build enquiries that you should expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Cholsey

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. Will the freehold then be transferred for a nominal consideration (not exceeding £100) to the Management Company? The Vendor must covenant to keep unoccupied units in good repair until long leases are granted therefore. There must be mutual enforceability of lessee’s covenants.

I need to instruct a conveyancing solicitor for freehold conveyancing in Cholsey. I've discover a site which seems to have the perfect offering If there is a chance to get all the legals done via web that would be ideal. Do I need to 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?

At what point do I pay the Stamp Duty Land Tax payable for my Cholsey flat purchase?

The conveyancing practitioner will complete a stamp duty return on your behalf as part of your Cholsey purchase transaction for signature. After completion your lawyer will submit the Land Transaction application to the Inland Revenue and - assuming they have the money - discharge any Stamp Duty due for you.