My IFA says he needs my Reading law firm’s panel reference for the Santander conveyancing panel. What is the best way to find this out. I have called my local Reading office but they have not responded to me.

Have you tried contacting your Reading about this?. They maintain a central record lender panel numbers.

I am thinking of mortgaging my house in Reading, does my lawyer need to be on the Conveyancing 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 transaction.

Just had an offer accepted on a new build apartment in Reading. Conveyancing is daunting at the best of times but I have never purchased a new build flat before. What sort of enquires would be asked in new build conveyancing.

Here are examples of a selection of leasehold new build questions that you should expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Reading

Please supply evidence that the form of Lease proposed has been approved by the Land Registry. 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. If there are lifts in the building, please confirm that the owners of flats on the ground and basement floors will not be required to contribute towards the cost of maintenance and renewal. Investor purchasers must be able to freely grant unsecured tenancies at market rents without requiring any consents. Please confirm the Lease plans are architect prepared.

Due to the advice of my in-laws I had a survey completed on a house in Reading before appointing lawyers. I have been advised that there is a flying freehold element to the house. Our surveyor advised that some banks may not give a mortgage on this type of property.

It varies from the lender to lender. Lloyds has different instructions for example to Birmingham Midshires. If you call us we can check with the relevant lender. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can help as they are accustomed to dealing with flying freeholds in Reading. Conveyancing may be slightly more expensive based on your lender's requirements.

Am I best advised to choose a Reading conveyancing practitioner based in the area that I am buying? I have an old university friend who can carry out the legal formalities but her office is approximately 350miles drive away.

The primary upside of using a high street Reading conveyancing firm is that you can visit the firm to execute paperwork, hand in your identification documents and apply pressure on them where appropriate. Having local Reading know how is a benefit. However it's more important to get someone that will pull out all the stops for you. If you know people who instructed your friend and they were impressed that must trump using an unknown Reading conveyancing lawyer solely due to them being Reading based.