My husband and I are purchasing a 3 bedroom apartment in Witney with a mortgage. We have a Witney conveyancer, but the bank advise he's not on their "panel". It seems we have no option but to instruct one of the mortgage company panel solicitors or continue with our Witney property lawyer and pay for one of their panel ones to represent them. We consider that this is unjust; are we not able to require that the bank use our Witney solicitor ?
No, not really. 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. A further alternative is for your Witney 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 Witney. My lender is Platform
Platform have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook. As of 13/2/2025, the requirements read as follows :
We are purchasing a property in Witney. It might be a silly question but how we can trust a lawyer? At some point we have to deposit our life savings into their account. What is the protection we have from them run away with our monies?
Be assured that all money in a Solicitors client account is 100% safe, and even if your Solicitor ran off with it, the Law Society would reimburse you fully.
When it comes to mortgage companies such as HSBC, do Witney property lawyers face a fee to be on the list of approved solicitors?
We are not aware of any lender fees to be on their panel, although some do levy an administration fee to deal with the processing of the conveyancing panel application.
At last I have had an offer on a maisonette in Witney accepted, but there is a chain. The vendors have offered on on an apartment, however it’s not yet tied up, and are looking at other properties booked. I have instructed a high street conveyancing solicitor in Witney. What do I do now? When do I get the mortgage application with Nationwide going?
It is usual to have concerns where there is a chain as you are unlikely to want to be too out of pocket too early (home loan application is in the region of one thousand pounds, then survey, Witney conveyancing search charges, etc). The first course of action is to check that your solicitor is on the Nationwide conveyancing panel. Concerning the subsequent phase this very much dictated by the circumstances of your case, motivation for this property and on the state of the market. In a hot market many purchasers would apply for the mortgage with Nationwide and arrange for the valuation and only if it comes back ok would they pay their property lawyer to proceed with searches.
How does conveyancing in Witney differ for newly converted properties?
Most buyers of new build premises in Witney approach us having been asked by the housebuilder to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the house is completed. This is because new home sellers in Witney typically purchase 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 Witney or who has acted in the same development.
I am downsizing from my home. My previous lawyers closed down. I would be grateful for any recommendation of a conveyancing firm. Im based in Witney if that makes a difference.
Please use our search tool to help you choose a solicitor for your conveyancing in Witney. We have connected thousands of home buyers and sellers with lender approved solicitors to ensure that the legalities of their house move runs with a minimum of fuss.
My cousin has recommend that I appoint his conveyancers in Witney. Should I use them?
Much as we are happy to recommend a Witney conveyancing lawyer it’s preferable to find a conveyancing practitioner is to get feedback from friends or relatives who have used the conveyancer you're are thinking of instructing.