My wife and I are buying a 3 bedroom flat in Arkley with a mortgage. We would like to retain our Arkley solicitor, but the lender advise she’s not on their "panel". It appears that we have little option but to select one of the bank panel conveyancing practices or continue with our Arkley conveyancing practitioner and pay for one of their panel lawyers to represent them. We regard this is unjust; are we not able to insist that the mortgage company use our Arkley solicitor ?
Unfortunately,no. Your mortgage offer is subject to its terms and conditions, one of which will be that lawyers will on the bank’s conveyancing panel. Until recently, most lenders had large numbers of law firms on their panels: a borrower could choose one for themselves, as long as it was on the lender's panel. The lender would then simply instruct the borrower's lawyers to act for the lender, too. You can use your lender's panel lawyers or you could borrow from another lender which does not restrict your choice. A further alternative is for your Arkley conveyancing solicitor to apply to be on the conveyancing panel.
Will my conveyancing lawyers need to check that the building insurance when buying a house in Arkley. My lender is The Mortgage Works
The Mortgage Works have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook. As of 21/7/2025, the requirements read as follows :
Can you point me to a directory of Principality panel solicitors in Arkley on the Council of Mortgage Lender’s Website?
No. There is no such directory service on the Council of Mortgage Lenders or Building Society Association sites. Very few lending institutions make their panel listings visible over the internet. If you are looking for a Arkley property lawyer on the Principality please make the most of our tool.
How can we tell if a Arkley conveyancing solicitor on the HSBC panel is any good?
When it comes to conveyancing in Arkley seeking recommendations is a sensible starting point. Before you go ahead, check if they offer a no sale no fee offer. Also, you often get what you pay for - a firm which quotes more, will often provide a better service than one which is cheap as chips. We would always advocate that you speak with the lawyer handling your conveyancing.
I am currently in the process of buying my council flat in Arkley. I have a mortgage agreed with Virgin Money. Conveyancing is new to me. Can I proceed without a solicitor easily? I think we can but we keep being told I should use one. Any advice?
It is not advisable to proceed with a house purchase without a solicitor. The council's solicitor are not acting for you. You need a solicitor for a number reasons. One of which is to verify what plans the Council have for repairs and refurbishment for the next five years. Many leaseholders have been stung for contributions of thousands of pounds. In any event, if you are getting a mortgage with Virgin Money, you will need to appoint a solicitor on the Virgin Money conveyancing panel.
I am planning on selling our house in Arkley and the buyers lawyers are claiming that there is a possibility that the property was constructed land that was not decontaminated. A high street Arkley lawyer would know this is not the case. It does beg the question why the buyers used an online conveyancing practice rather than a conveyancing solicitor in Arkley. We have lived in Arkley for 4 years we know of no issue. Is it a good idea to get in touch with our local Authority to seek confirmation that there is no issue.
It sounds as though you may have a conveyancing lawyer 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 health insurance to cover that same sickness)
My partner has recommend that I appoint his conveyancers in Arkley. Should I use them?
There are no two ways about it the best way to select a conveyancing solicitor is to get recommendations from friends or relatives who have actually used the solicitor you're contemplating using.
Finally our conveyancing in Arkley is set to complete on Friday, yet the people I am purchasing off wishes to vacate on the Saturday at 2pm. Can I agree to such a plan?
Where you need a bank loan then your conveyancing practitioner will require that you have vacant possession on Friday - the lending institution will demand it.