I am refinancing my flat in Olney, does my lawyer need to be on the Solicitor panel?

In theory, you could use a solicitor that is not on the conveyancing panel, but 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 require fast conveyancing in Olney as I am faced with pressure to exchange contracts within 2 weeks. A home loan is not required. Can I decline from having conveyancing searches to save money and time?

As you are are a mortgage free purchaser you are at liberty not to have searches conducted although no conveyancer would advise that you don't. With plenty of history conveyancing in Olney the following are examples of issues that can crop up and therefore impact future mortgageability: Enforcement Actions, Outstanding Fees, Overdue Grants, Unadopted Roads,...

I'm buying a new build house in Olney with the aid of help to buy. The builders would not reduce the amount so I negotiated 6k of fixtures and fittings instead. The estate agent suggested that I not disclose to my solicitor about the side-deal as it could adversely affect my loan with the lender. Do I keep my lawyer in the dark?.

All lenders require a Disclosure of Incentives Form from the developer of any new build, converted or renovated property, It is available online from the Lenders’ Handbook page on the CML website. CML form is completed and handed to the lender's surveyor when the inspection is done.

Lenders have different policies on incentives. Some accept none at all, cash or physical, while others will accept cash incentives up to 5%.

Hard to understand why the representative of a builder would be suggesting you withold information from a solicitor when all this will be clearly visible on forms the builder has to supply to its solicitor, the buyer's solicitor and the surveyor.

My cousin has encouraged me to use his lawyers for conveyancing in Olney. Should I use them?

No doubt it’s preferable to find a conveyancing solicitor is to have guidance from friends or relatives who have actually previously instructed the solicitor that you are contemplating using.

Been on the hunt for a for freehold sale conveyancing in Olney. I'm selling, uncomplicated no mortgage to discharge, no hurry, currently empty. Had a quote from a for £1000 including VAT which is a tad high given that its so straightforward. Can I pay less for conveyancing in Olney?

Given that it’s a sale only, £500 + VAT is likely to be about the lowest for a Olney solicitor firm.