Can you clarify what the consequences are if my solicitor is suspended from the Santander Conveyancing panel ahead of completing my conveyancing in Downton?

The first thing to point out is that, this is a very rare occurrence. In most cases even where a law firm is removed off of a panel the lender would allow the completion to go ahead as the lender would appreciate the difficulties that they would place you in if you have to instruct a new solicitor days before completion. In a worst case scenario where the lender insists that you instruct a new firm then it is possible for a very good lawyer to expedite the conveyancing albeit that you may pay a significant premium for this. The analogous situation is where a buyer instructs a lawyer, exchanges contracts and the law firm is shut down by a regulator such as the SRA. Again, in this situation you can find lawyers who can troubleshoot their way to bring the conveyancing to a satisfactory conclusion - albeit for a fee.

My wife and I have a terraced Edwardian property in Downton. Conveyancing solicitor represented me and Coventry Building Society. I did a free Land Registry search last week and I saw two entries: the first freehold, another for leasehold under the matching property. I'd like to know for sure, how can I find out??

You should assess the Freehold register you have again and check the Charges Register for mention of a lease. The best way to be sure that you are also the registered owner of the leasehold and freehold title as well is to check (£3). It is not completely unheard of in Downton and other locations in the country and poses no real issues for owners other than when they sell they have to account for both freehold and leasehold interests when dealing with buyers. You can also question the position with the conveyancing solicitor who conducted the purchase.

Hoping to buy a property located in Downton and I am already nervous. I couldn't find anything specific about Downton. Conveyancing will be needed in due course but do you know about the Downton area? or perhaps some other tips you can share?

Rather than looking online forget looking online you should go and have a look at Downton. In the meantime here are some basic statistics that we found

In my capacity as executor for the will of my grandmother I am selling a residence in Cardiff but reside in Downton. My solicitor (based 250 miles awayneeds me to execute a statutory declaration prior to completion. Could you suggest a conveyancing solicitor in Downton to witness this legal document for me?

Technically speaking you are not likely to be required to have the documents witnessed by a conveyancing solicitor. Ordinarily any notary public or solicitor will suffice regardless of whether they are located in Downton

There are numerous properties in Downton on private lanes. My wife and I are acquiring one such property. Are there any advantages to buying a property on a private road?

Downton conveyancing lawyers are familiar with transacting homeson unadopted roads. Your property lawyer should review the title to identify any rights or liabilities. In many cases there is a management company (wholly owned by residents) that residents pay into to maintain the road. If there is one, the road will likely be maintained and appear nicer than publicly owned.