Please could you vouch for a Chelsea Building Society accepted Markyate conveyancing lawyer who can have us moved in within a very limited time frame? Would it be better to use a high street Markyate solicitor or an online conveyancer?

We would be happy to suggest some excellent Markyate conveyancing firms. Another option is to visit the high street in Markyate. Visit two or three firms and request to speak with a conveyancing solicitor for a quote. Mention your deadline together with the reasons and get a commitment on speed. Appoint the one that genuine.

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

Markyate conveyancing solicitors as well as nationwide property practitioners throughout the UK have a duty under money laundering regulations to verify the ID of any client in order to satisfy themselves that clients are who they say they are.

Conveyancing clients are required to supply two forms of certified ID; proof of identity (typically a Passport or Driving Licence) and evidence of address (usually a Utility Bill less than 3 months old).

Proof of the origin of monies is also necessary under the money laundering laws as solicitors are obliged to investigate that the money you are utilising to acquire a property (be it the exchange deposit or the full purchase price where you are buying without a mortgage) has come from a reputable source (such as employment savings) rather than the fruits of illegitimate activity.

I am considering applying for a Santander mortgage for purchase of a newly converted (under development) in Markyate with 70% LTV. Is it compulsory to choose a solicitor on the conveyancing panel for Santander ?

In theory, you could use a solicitor that is not on the Santander conveyancing panel, but Santander 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.

I need some quick conveyancing in Markyate as I am under a deadline to complete in less than one month. Fortunately I do not require a mortgage. Is it possible to avoid the conveyancing searches to save fees and time?

As you are are a cash purchaser you have the choice not to have searches carried out although no solicitor would advise that you don't. With lots of history conveyancing in Markyate the following are examples of what can appear and adversely impact the marketability of the property: Refused Planning Applications, Overdue Charges, Overdue Grants, Road Schemes,...

Am I better off to use a Markyate conveyancing solicitor who is local to the property I am buying? An old friend can handle the legal formalities however his firm is located a couple of hundredmiles away.

The benefit of a local Markyate conveyancing practice is that you can visit the firm to sign documents, hand in your identification documents and pester them where appropriate. They will also have local intelligence which is a benefit. That being said it's more important to get someone that will do a good and efficient job. If you know people who used your friend and they were happy that must surpass using an unfamiliar Markyate conveyancing solicitor solely due to them being Markyate based.