I had intended to instruct a conveyancing solicitor in Sonning Common for our house move. Our broker informed us that our mortgage lenders won't deal with them. Why is this not regarded as unduly restrictive?

A lender can direct that a panel solicitor act for it. You would be expected to bear the charges for this. Try using our tool to get a quote from a solicitor to carry conveyancing in Sonning Common on the approved list of solicitors.

My wife and I are close to exchanging contracts on the sale of our home in Sonning Common and according to the buyers it appears that there is a possibility that the property was built land that was not decontaminated. Any local conveyancer would know that there is no such problem. It does beg the question why the purchasers instructed an internet conveyancing firm as opposed to a conveyancing solicitor in Sonning Common. We have lived in Sonning Common for 4 years we know of no issue. Is it a good idea to get in touch with local Authority to seek clarification need.

It would appear that you have a conveyancing solicitor already. Are they able to advise? You should check with your lawyer before you do anything. It is very possible that once the local authority has been informed of a potential issue it cannot be insured against (a bit like being diagnosed with a serious illness and then taking out life insurance to cover that same illness)

i am buying a new build house in Sonning Common benefiting from help to buy. The sellers would not budge the price so I negotiated 6k of fixtures and fittings instead. The house builders rep told me not reveal to my conveyancer about the extras as it would adversely affect my loan with the bank. 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.