I am buying a ground floor flat in Epsom. My lawyer is not listed on the bank solicitor list. Is it possible for me to continue with my Epsom conveyancing solicitor notwithstanding that they are excluded from the lender panel?
You will need to appoint a property lawyer to deal with the formalities if you take out a loan to buy your home. The conveyancer will carry out all the appropriate investigations on the property, make sure that you will be properly registered as the owner and ensure that all the necessary mortgage documentation is in order. You may instruct a Epsom conveyancer of your choice. However, if the lawyer appointed is not on the mortgage company approved list additional charges will be incurred as separate legal representation will be required by them. Bank panel applications can be submitted, so if your solicitor has not in the past sought membership they can do so.
Will my conveyancing lawyers need to check that the building insurance when buying a house in Epsom. My lender is Accord Mortgages
Accord Mortgages have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook. As of 16/2/2026, the requirements read as follows :
Are all Epsom Conveyancing Quality Solicitors on the RBS conveyancing list of approved practices?
It is true that some lenders now utilise the accreditation scheme as the starting point for Panel membership such as HSBC and Santander. CQS accreditation however is no guarantee to lender panel acceptance. Nevertheless,the Council of Mortgage Lenders have indicated that it is likely to become a pre-requisite for firms wishing to remain on their approved list of conveyancing solicitors.
When it comes to lenders such as Barclays, do Epsom conveyancers incur a yearly amount to be on the conveyancing panel?
We are not aware of any lender fees to register on their list of approved firms, although some do charge an administration charge to deal with the processing of the conveyancing panel submission.
Can you point me to a directory of RBS panel solicitors in Epsom on the Building Society Association’s Website?
No. There is no such tool on the CML or Building Society Association websites. Very few banks make their panel listings open the public on the web. If you are in need of a Epsom lawyer on the RBS please use our facility.
I used Arc property Solicitors several years ago for my conveyancing in Epsom. I now require my file but cannot find the solicitor. What do I do?
Do contact the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) to help locate your conveyancing files. They can be contacted on please contact on 0870 606 2555. Alternatively, you should use their online form to make an enquiry. You will need to provide the SRA with as much information as possible to assist their search, including the name and address in Epsom of the conveyancing firm of solicitors you previously used, the name of conveyancing solicitor with whom you had dealings, and the date on which you last had dealings with the firm.
My wife and I purchased a leasehold flat in Epsom. Conveyancing and Coventry Building Society mortgage went though with no issue. I have received a letter from someone saying they have taken over the reversionary interest in the property. Attached was a demand for arrears of ground rent dating back to 1992. The conveyancing solicitor in Epsom who previously acted has now retired. Any advice?
First contact HMLR to be sure that this person is indeed the new freeholder. You do not need to incur the fees of a Epsom conveyancing lawyer to do this as it can be done on-line for less than a fiver. Rest assured that regardless, even if this is the legitimate landlord, under the Limitation Act 1980 no more than 6 years of rent can be collected.
After months of correspondence we are unable to agree with our landlord on how much the lease extension should cost for our flat in Epsom. Can we issue an application to the Residential Property Tribunal Service?
if there is a missing freeholder or where there is disagreement about what the lease extension should cost, under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 you can apply to the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal to decide the sum to be paid.
An example of a Lease Extension matter before the tribunal for a Epsom premises is 33 The Maisonettes Alberta Avenue in June 2014. the Tribunal decided that the premium payable for the grant of a new lease be the sum of £20,680 (Twenty Thousand six hundred and eighty pounds). This case related to 1 flat. The remaining number of years on the lease was 60.43 years.
My partner and I intend to purchase our first house in Epsom. Conveyancing practitioner has been selected. The broker pointed out that a survey is not needed as the house is only fifteen years old.
At the very least you should have a Home Buyer's Report. Given the property was constructed more than a decade ago the property will not come with a warranty, so you don't want 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 problems and suggest additional investigation where appropriate. If there are any signs of problems obtain a comprehensive Building Survey from the beginning.