My husband and I are buying a 1 bedroom flat in Failsworth with a mortgage. We like our Failsworth solicitor, however the lender says she’s not on their "panel". It seems we have no option but to select one of the bank panel firms or keep our Failsworth lawyer and pay for one of their panel ones to act for them. This feels very unfair; is there anything we can do?
Unfortunately,no. Your mortgage offer is subject to its terms and conditions, one of which will be that lawyers will on the lender’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 Failsworth conveyancing solicitor to apply to be on the conveyancing panel.
How up to date is your database of Failsworth solicitors on the Nottingham conveyancing panel? Do Nottingham send you an updated list?
Failsworth conveyancing firms themselves provide us confirmation that they are on the Nottingham conveyancing panel as opposed to being supplied with a list from Nottingham directly.
I have Fifty Six years remaining on my lease and require a lease extension for my apartment in Failsworth. Conveyancing solicitors on the Accord Mortgages panel can deal with such extensions correct?
Most leasehold conveyancing experts should be able to deal with a lease extension. if you are securing a mortgage then your lender may insist that the lease be extended before competition. Accord Mortgages have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook in relation to minimum unexpired lease terms. As of 29/9/2026 the requirements read as follows :
How does conveyancing in Failsworth differ for new build properties?
Most buyers of new build or newly converted property in Failsworth contact us having been asked by the seller to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the house is finished. This is because new home sellers in Failsworth tend to buy the land, plan the estate and want to get the plots sold off as they are building the properties. Buyers, therefore, will have to exchange contracts without actually seeing the house they are buying. To reduce the chances of losing the property, buyers should instruct conveyancers as soon as the property is reserved and mortgage applications should be submitted quickly. Due to the fact that it could be several months and even years between exchange of contracts and completion, the mortgage offer may need to be extended. It would be wise to use a lawyer who specialises in new build conveyancing especially if they are accustomed to new build conveyancing in Failsworth or who has acted in the same development.
I opted to have a survey carried out on a house in Failsworth before retaining solicitors. I have been informed that there is a flying freehold element to the house. The surveyor advised that some banks may not grant a mortgage on such a premises.
It depends who your proposed lender is. Bank of Scotland has different requirements from Nationwide. Should you wish to call us we can investigate further with the relevant bank. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can help as they are used to dealing with flying freeholds in Failsworth. Conveyancing may be slightly more expensive based on your lender's requirements.
I need to change lawyers as my Failsworth lawyer is not on the mortgage company's panel of conveyancing solicitors. Is it practical to instruct different lawyers?
In the event that you have not formally instructed a conveyancer to start work and have just received quotes, you're perfectly free to choose a different solicitor to carry out your work for you. The best way is to get recommendations from friends or family who have actually used the solicitor or conveyancer in Failsworth that you're considering.