I am six weeks into the sale of my maisonette in Steyning and the estate agent has just called to advise that the purchasers are switching property lawyer. I am told that this is due to the fact that the lender will only work with property lawyers on their approved list. Why would a major lender only engage with certain solicitors rather the firm that they want to choose for their conveyancing in Steyning ?
Lenders have always had panels of law firms that can act for them, but in the last few years big names such as HSBC, have reviewed and reduced their conveyancing panel– in some cases removing conveyancing firms who have worked with them for more than 25 years.
Mortgage companies blame a rise in fraud by way of justification for the cull – criteria have been narrowed as a smaller panel is easier to oversee. No lender will say how many solicitors have been dropped, claiming the information is commercially sensitive, but the Law Society says it is hearing daily from firms that have been removed from panels. Some do not even realise they have been dropped until contacted by a borrower who has instructed them as might be the situation in your buyers' case. The purchasers are unlikely to have any impact on this.
Our lawyer has uncovered a defect with the lease for the flat we are purchasing in Steyning. The other side have offered defective title insurance as a solution. We are content with insurance and will cover the costs. Our property lawyer has advised that he must ensure that the lender is willing to move forward with this solution. Who is the client here, us or the mortgage company ?
The short answer to your last question is that, notwithstanding the risk of a conflict of interest, you and the bank are the client. Your conveyancing practitioner must comply with the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook conditions. The UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook conditions require your lawyer to disclose issues such as defects with the lease so that the bank can be afforded the opportunity to check with their valuer as to the extent that the value of the property is affected. Should you refuse to allow your lawyer to make the appropriate notification then your solicitor will have no choice but to discontinue acting for you.
I have 70 years remaining on my lease and need a lease extension for my flat in Steyning. Conveyancing solicitors on the Bank of Ireland panel can deal with such extensions correct?
Most leasehold conveyancing experts should be able to deal with a lease extension. if you are getting a mortgage then your lender may insist that the lease be extended before competition. Bank of Ireland have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook in relation to minimum unexpired lease terms. As of 14/4/2026 the requirements read as follows :
I am assisting my sister sell her flat in Steyning. Will the conveyancer commission an energy assessment or it is for me to see to?
Following the demise of Home Packs, EPC’s remained a mandatory part of selling a house. An EPC should be to hand prior to the property being put on the market. This is not something that lawyers normally arrange. Where you are instructing a Steyning conveyancing lawyer they may help arrange energy assessments due to their contacts with reputable Steyning assessors
We are due to move home in July. Does my conveyancing solicitor communicate with the removal company on the day of completion. Incidentally, can you suggest a removal company in Steyning. Conveyancing firm was organised prior to coming across your website.
On the day of completion you can pick up the house keys from your estate agent however this can only be done when the sellers lawyers advise the agent that the monies to complete are in and the keys can be given over. You should inform the removal men that they can start moving you in. We do not suggest a particular removal organisation but can help you choose a conveyancing in Steyning or a legal practice with expertise in conveyancing in Steyning.
About to purchase flat in Steyning. 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 HSBC 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 Steyning property lawyer is on the HSBC conveyancing panel.
I have been told that property searches are the number one cause of obstruction in Steyning conveyancing transactions. Is there any truth in this?
The Council of Property Search Organisations (CoPSO) published conclusions of research by MoveWithUs that conveyancing searches do not figure within the top 10 causes of delays during the legal transfer of property. Searches are not likely to be the root cause of holding up conveyancing in Steyning.
How do I identify leasehold conveyancing in Steyning?
Option 1 is to ask your friends and family they would would instruct. Second, search the web for conveyancing in Steyning. Phone two or three from the list and ask them to send you their conveyancing charges and speak to the lawyer who will conduct your conveyancing before you commit. Third is to use our search tool to assist you in finding the right lawyers taking into account your unique factors including location,speed, complexity and who the proposed lender is.Avoid the trap of appointing £99 conveyancing solicitors in Steyning