I plan on buying property in Monmouthshire. My Solicitor has never been on on the lender solicitor panel. Am I still permitted to retain my Monmouthshire conveyancing solicitor notwithstanding that they are not on the lender panel?

You will need to appoint a solicitor to deal with the legal work required if you require a mortgage to buy your property. The solicitor will conduct all the essential due diligence on the property, make sure that you will be properly registered as the owner and ensure that all the necessary mortgage documentation is in place. You can appoint a Monmouthshire lawyer of your choosing. However, where the solicitor selected is not on the bank conveyancing panel supplemental charges will be incurred as separate legal representation will be required by them. Lender panel applications may be submitted, so where your lawyer has not previously applied for membership they should do so.

I have given 2 months notice to my current landlord and have to vacate my rented flat in Monmouthshire by 21/1/2026. Conveyancing on my purchase has just started. Can I complete in six weeks as I wish to avoid having to move into short term accommodation?

It is unwise to give notice on a rental until your lawyer suggests that you should. Assuming that you have not already done so, speak to your solicitor and urge them to they apply pressure on the owners lawyers, try to an acceptable time-line that all parties will aim towards

I am remortgaging my home in Monmouthshire, does my lawyer need to be on the Nottingham Conveyancing panel?

In theory, you could use a solicitor that is not on the Nottingham conveyancing panel, but Nottingham 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.

My father-in-law has suggested that I appoint his conveyancers in Monmouthshire. Should I use them?

There are no two ways about it the ideal way to select a conveyancing solicitor is to seek recommendations from friends or family who have actually previously instructed the conveyancer that you are contemplating using.

We have an offer in principle from Halifax who said that they will lend up to £400k. At what point do I need to appoint a lawyer for conveyancing? Monmouthshire is where we are purchasing.

You can appoint a property lawyer now so that the property lawyer can open the ledger so they can do the AML checks etc. If and when you wish them to start work they will seek a payment on account normally approximately £225. That would normally be after you have the loan offer from the lender and survey results, however should you want to speed the process you can start the ball rolling sooner albeit risking some expense.