We are acquiring our first property. The conveyancing practitioner has calledto enquire if we want to purchase supplemental conveyancing searches. Frankly we have no idea as to what's relevant for conveyancing in Teignmouth

The range of Teignmouth conveyancing searches depends primarily on the premises, the location, the probability of any of these risks, your familiarity of the area and risks, your overall approach to risk. What is important is that you adequately comprehend what information each search could provide. Then you can decide if you personally think you need that search. If in doubt, ask your lawyer to guide you.

I have a decision in principle. The lender mentioned the mortgage came with free conveyancing. Is the implication that I have to appoint their panel lawyer as I would prefer to appoint a Teignmouth based conveyancing firm?

Do check but the the likelihood is that give you one of their panel solicitors should you want the "fee-free" deal. Speak to the mortgage company and determine if they offer you a monetary alternative. It is not unheard for a lender to give a £250 cashback as a further option in which case that money can go towards the cost for your conveyancing solicitor near Teignmouth.

Forgive me if this question is silly but I am unexperienced as a 1st time purchaser of a two bedroom flat in Teignmouth. Do I receive the keys to the house on completion from my conveyancer? If this is the case, I will find a local conveyancing solicitor in Teignmouth?

On the day of completion you do not need to go to the conveyancers office in Teignmouth. Conveyancing lawyers for you will electronically transfer the purchase money to the vendor’s lawyers, and shortly after the monies have arrived, you should be called to pick up the keys from the selling Agents and move into your new home. Usually this happens between 1 and 3pm.

I am the sole recipient of my late grandmother’s will and I have everything in my name alone, including the my former home in Teignmouth. The Teignmouth property was put into my name in June. I plan to dispose of the house. I do know about the CML six month 'rule', which means that my property ownership may be considered the same way as if I'd bought the property in June. Is the property unsalable for six months?

The Council of Mortgage Lenders’ handbook obliges conveyancers to: "report to us immediately if the owner or registered proprietor has been registered for less than six months." By the strict wording you might be affected by that. Most banks would take a practical view as this provision principally exists to identify subsales or the flipping of property.

is it true that all Teignmouth solicitor firms on the RBS conveyancing panel are overseen by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority?

As a firm of solicitors, in order to be on the RBS approved list of solicitors they would need to be overseen by the SRA. Many banks do allow licenced conveyancers on their panel and in that case the organisation would be regulated by the Council of Licensed Conveyancers.

Various online forums that I have frequented warn that are a common reason for stalling in Teignmouth conveyancing transactions. Is there any truth in this?

The Council of Property Search Organisations (CoPSO) has noted the findings of a review by MoveWithUs that conveyancing searches do not feature amongst the most frequent causes of delays during the legal transfer of property. Local searches are not likely to feature in any delay in conveyancing in Teignmouth.

My husband and I intend to acquire our first property in Teignmouth. Conveyancing practitioner already chosen. The broker suggested that a survey is not necessary as the house is just 17 years old.

As the bare minimum you need a Home Buyer's Report. Given the property was constructed over a decade ago the property will be without a warranty, so you would be well advised not to take a risk. For a property that age with no signs of problems a Home Buyer's report may suffice. The report should highlight any apparent issues and recommend additional investigation if appropriate. If there are any signs of material issues get a full Building Survey from the beginning.