Aviva Equity Release Conveyancing Panel Information

The information on this page is designed to keep solicitors and licensed conveyancers abreast of latest requirements changes by Aviva Equity Release and to assist in remaining on the Aviva Equity Release Solicitor Panel.

Aviva Equity Release Solicitor Panel: Recently Asked Questions

Is it the case that the Law Society has recommended that firms check their status on the Aviva Equity Release conveyancing panel?
The Scottish Law Society has advised that solicitors should check their panel status with lenders prior to accepting client instructions to act. The advice is lender-agnostic as it does not relate specifically to solicitors on the Aviva Equity Release conveyancing panel. The suggestion arises from the practice of a number of mortgage lenders who remove solicitors from their panels without prior notice as part of their panel management system, which can lead to some solicitors discovering this only once instructed. This is sensible advice as a client finding out midway through a transaction that their lawyer is not on the approved lender panel is very frustrating and can lead to complaints. Many online consumer forums contain posts where someone is complaining about finding that their lawyer is not on a lender conveyancing panel. Such forums include mumsnet.com

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What type of firms do building societies include on their Conveyancing Panels?
In the same way that there is a unique Aviva Equity Release conveyancing panel most building societies, operate a conveyancing panel for solicitors and other conveyancers that the lender will instruct. Terms and Conditions and criteria for inclusion on a building society conveyancing panel vary from lender-to-lender. Having CQS accreditation may be a requirement. Institutional lenders, such as a building society, is a client and is entitled to instruct the solicitor or conveyancer of its choosing (who, in turn, is free to accept or refuse instructions). Therefore, if lender and borrower cannot agree which solicitor or conveyancer should represent them jointly, they would usually proceed on a separate representation basis. The BSA have not published the equivalent of the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook Part 3s.
I have been a qualified solicitor for approximately 35 years without a single claim against me and have been refused acceptance on the Aviva Equity Release conveyancing panel with no explanation. Am I not entitled to a reason?
For most lenders participation on the lender's panel of conveyancers is at the absolute discretion of the the lender. Many lenders reserve the right to accept or reject any application without giving any reason. You should check your original application to join the Aviva Equity Release conveyancing panel to see if you are entitled to a reason.
I rarely receive a copy of a valuation from a lender these days. Does the extent of my Aviva Equity Release conveyancing panel obligations extend to checking the valuation details where I am acting on a purchase with Aviva Equity Release as the lender?
There are various requirements are to followed if you wish to comply with your lender client’s instructions as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook. (I) You must take reasonable steps to verify that there are no discrepancies between the description of the property as valued and the title and other documents which a reasonably competent conveyancer should obtain, and, if there are, you must tell Aviva Equity Release immediately. (II) You should take reasonable steps to verify that the assumptions stated by the valuer about the title (for example, its tenure, easements, boundaries and restrictions on its use) in the valuation and as stated in Aviva Equity Release’s mortgage offer are correct. If they are not, please let Aviva Equity Release know as soon as possible as it will be necessary for Aviva Equity Release to check with the valuer whether the valuation needs to be revised. Aviva Equity Release conveyancing panel solicitors are not expected to assume the role of valuer. Aviva Equity Release are simply trying to ensure that the valuer has valued the property based on correct information. (c) Aviva Equity Release recommend that you should advise the borrower that there may be defects in the property which are not revealed by the inspection carried out by their valuer and there may be omissions or inaccuracies in the report which do not matter to them as a lender but which would matter to the borrower. Aviva Equity Release recommend that, if we send a copy of a valuation report that Aviva Equity Release have obtained, you should also advise the borrower that the borrower should not rely on the report in deciding whether to proceed with the purchase and that he obtains his own more detailed report on the condition and value of the property, based on a fuller inspection such as a homebuyers survey or comprehensive survey. If you do not receive a copy of the valuation you can always ask for a copy of one from Aviva Equity Release or the borrower. You still need to comply with the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook Requirement relating to valuation reports even if you don't receive one directly. Failure to comply not only runs the risk of facing a claim by the lender but also being removed from the Aviva Equity Release conveyancing panel
Are figures published regarding the Aviva Equity Release conveyancing panel size as well as the number of conveyancing firms removed from their panel each quarter?
With banks and conveyancers working so closely with one another it is surprising that there has not been greater demand for the introduction of a bit of transparency regarding not just the figures for the Aviva Equity Release conveyancing panel but for all mortgage panels
We had our Aviva Equity Release panel membership suspended but we have not yet been given a reason as to why. I am completing a CQS application questionnaire what information should I report?
In the circumstances please explain on the application what steps you have taken to find out the reasons behind cancellation of your Aviva Equity Release panel membership. In particular please provide details if you have received communications from the lender. E.G. before termination of your panel membership did you receive any letters or calls from the lender putting you on notice?
My firm is listed on the Aviva Equity Release conveyancing panel and due to complete a remortgage shortly. My file does not contain a Legal Charge for the client to execute. Who do I contact at Aviva Equity Release to request substitute deeds?
You need to communicate with Aviva Equity Release to obtain standard documents. The CML Handbook contains an explicit inquiry for banks to establish who to contact to obtain standard documents. Aviva Equity Release in their Part 2’s state:
Always remember to quote the firm’s Aviva Equity Release conveyancing panel number.

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Average number of days to register title including a charge in favour of Aviva Equity Release
This information relates to purchase only and not remortgages.
YearDays*
2025 [no data]
2024 [no data]
2023 [no data]
2022 [no data]
2021 [no data]
2020 [no data]
* Data aggregated from sources including COMPLETIONmonitor