Me and my partner are buying a 2 bedroom apartment in Frenchay with a mortgage. We have a Frenchay solicitor, but the mortgage company says he's not on their "panel". It appears that we have no option but to instruct one of the mortgage company panel firms or keep our Frenchay conveyancing practitioner as well as pay for one of their panel lawyers to act for them. We feel that this is unjust; is there anything we can do?
Unfortunately,no. The mortgage offered to you 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. Another option that might be available is for your Frenchay conveyancing solicitor to apply to be on the conveyancing panel.
I am told that my conveyancing solicitors will need to check that the building insurance when buying a house in Frenchay. My lender is Tesco Bank
Tesco Bank have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook. As of 15/7/2026, the requirements read as follows :
I am helping my sister sell her house in Frenchay. Will the solicitor order an EPC or do I organise this?
After the abolition of Home Packs, energy performance certificates became a required element of moving house. An energy assessment should be commissioned before the property is put on the market. This is not a task that law firms ordinarily arrange. Where you are instructing a Frenchay conveyancing lawyer they might be willing to arrange energy assessments due to their relationships with reputable local providers
How can we know in advance if a Frenchay conveyancing solicitor on the Co-operative panel is any good?
When it comes to conveyancing in Frenchay getting recommendations is a good 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 solicitor handling your conveyancing.
Intending to buy a apartment in Frenchay. I have received an online quote from a licenced conveyancer, which states: "There will be no charge for dealing with the Lender if you are obtaining a mortgage". I take this to mean that there will be no additional fee if the solicitor is on the Nottingham conveyancing panel. I wanted to make sure it means there will be no additional fees for dealing with the mortgage.
They are simply saying that the cost for acting for the lender is included in the fee being quoted. It is worth you checking that the Frenchay solicitor is on the Nottingham conveyancing panel.
What does a local search inform me about the property I am purchasing in Frenchay?
Frenchay conveyancing often starts with the applying for local authority searches directly from your local Authority or via a personal search organisations for example PSG The local search is essential in every Frenchay conveyancing purchase; as long as you wish to avoid any nasty surprises after you move into your new home. The search will provide information on, amongst other things, details on planning applications applicable to the property (whether granted or refused), building control history, any enforcement action, restrictions on permitted development, nearby road schemes, contaminated land and radon gas; in all a total of thirteen subject sections.
How does conveyancing in Frenchay differ for new build properties?
Most buyers of new build or newly converted property in Frenchay approach us having been asked by the builder to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the premises is completed. This is because house builders in Frenchay typically acquire the real estate, 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 property lawyers 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 used to new build conveyancing in Frenchay or who has acted in the same development.
My cousin has suggested that I use his conveyancers in Frenchay. Do I take his recommendation?
Much as we are happy to recommend a Frenchay conveyancing lawyer the best way to select a conveyancing solicitor is to have recommendations from friends or relatives who have actually previously instructed the firm you're are thinking of instructing.