My IFA says he needs my Watford lawyer’ panel reference for the Nationwide conveyancing panel. Can you suggest how I discover this. I have called my local Watford branch but they have not got back to me yet.
The sensible thing to do is ask for this information from your Watford lawyer . Most Watford law practices will retain a file or database of lender panel information which would include, if applicable, their conveyancing panel details for each lender.
I am told that my conveyancing solicitors will need to check that the building insurance when buying a house in Watford. My lender is Chelsea Building Society
Chelsea Building Society have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook. As of 25/5/2025, the requirements read as follows :
I am assisting my mother sell her house in Watford. Will the conveyancing solicitor arrange an energy performance certificate or it is for me to coordinate?
After the abolition of HIPs, energy performance certificates was maintained a compulsory element of moving property. An energy performance certificate must be commissioned prior to the property being marketed. It is not something that conveyancers normally arrange. If you are using a Watford conveyancing practitioner they might be able to arrange energy assessments due to their relationships with long established local energy assessors
Are all Watford Conveyancing Quality Solicitors on the Barclays conveyancing list of approved solicitors?
Some major lenders now use the accreditation scheme as the starting point for Panel membership such as HSBC and Santander. CQS accreditation however gives 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.
The formalities of my remortgage has taken place for my property in Watford. Conveyancing was a necessary evil but I would like to complain about the lender. How do I make a complaint?
Almost all banks and building societies have complaints procedures. Your first port of call should be one of the lender’s branches or the Customer Care Department at head office. In most cases complaints to a lender are sorted out very quickly. However if you are not satisfied that the matter is not resolved you can write to Financial Ombudsman Service, South Quay Plaza, 183 Marsh Wall, London E14 9SR with full details of your complaint.
I am buying a new build house in Watford with the aid of help to buy. The builders refused to budge the amount so I negotiated five thousand pounds worth of fixtures and fittings instead. The house builders rep suggested that I not inform my lawyer about this deal as it will adversely affect my mortgage with the bank. Do I keep my lawyer in the dark?.
All lenders require a Disclosure of Incentives Form from the developer of any new build, converted or renovated property, It is available online from the Lenders’ Handbook page on the CML website. CML form is completed and handed to the lender's surveyor when the inspection is done.
Lenders have different policies on incentives. Some accept none at all, cash or physical, while others will accept cash incentives up to 5%.
Hard to understand why the representative of a builder would be suggesting you withold information from a solicitor when all this will be clearly visible on forms the builder has to supply to its solicitor, the buyer's solicitor and the surveyor.
I've recently found out that there is a flying freehold issue on a property I put an offer in a fortnight ago in what was supposed to be a straight forward, no chain conveyancing. Watford is the location of the property. Is there any guidance you can give?
Flying freeholds in Watford are not the norm but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even where you use a solicitor outside Watford you would need to get your solicitor to go through the deeds diligently. Your bank may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Watford may ascertain that this is not enough and that the deeds be re-written to give you the most up to date legal protection. If so, the next door neighbour also had to sign up to the revised deeds.It is possible that your lender will not accept the situation so the sooner you find out the better. You should also check with your insurance broker as to whether they will insure a flying freehold property.
I'm refinancing my primary home to a BTL loan with Accord Mortgages Ltd and intend to use the remaining equity as a deposit on another house. The area we are interested in is Watford. Will your conveyancers be able to act for the two banks and link together the two deals?
Do use our comparison tool on this site to ensure that the conveyancers are on the appropriate lender panels. Assuming that they are the conveyancer should be able to connect the two transactions but you should have a chat with you conveyancer and specify your desired outcome and needs.