Vernon BS Conveyancing Panel Information

The information on this page is designed to keep solicitors and licensed conveyancers abreast of latest requirements changes by Vernon BS and to assist in remaining on the Vernon BS Conveyancing Panel Building Society.

Looking for information about your firm's panel status?

How does my firm apply to be on the Vernon BS Conveyancing Panel Building Society?

Learn How

How can my firm be reinstated onto the Vernon BS Conveyancing Panel Building Society?

Learn How

Vernon BS Conveyancing Panel Information:

What are the Vernon BS conveyancing panel criteria?

Unlike the CML the Building Society Mortgage Instructions deal with this. Section A.12 states ‘In order to act on our behalf your firm or company must be a member of our conveyancing panel provided we are a society that operates one – see specific requirements for details of our arrangements. The Special Requirements state:

Solicitors and licensed conveyancers acting for the Society must have the appropriate professional qualifications, professional indemnity insurance, adequate cover for absence, and properly constituted commercial premises with adequate provision for the secure storage of deeds.

The Society requires the following:

(i) All Solicitor firms must have a minimum of 2 SRA approved managers

(ii) All Licenced Conveyancer firms must have a minimum of 2 Licenced Conveyancers

You must also comply with the terms and conditions of your Vernon BS solicitor panel appointment.

I am on the Vernon BS conveyancing panel. Can I get an archived copy of Vernon BS Specific Requirements from the BSA?

The BSA, as is the case with the CML do not maintain copies of Specific Requirements. We would advise that you contact Vernon BS directly.

What obligations do I have, being on the Vernon BS conveyancing panel, to carry out a Chancel Search?

Vernon BS make no specific obligation to carry out any of the searches listed. The BSA Mortgage Instructions simply states that ‘you must ensure that any other searches which may be appropriate to the particular property, taking into account its locality and other features are carried out’.

Remember that most ‘less usual searches’ (as described in the Law Society’s Conveyancing Handbook) are not optional as far as Vernon BS are concerned if they are ‘appropriate’. Most lenders will not require environmental searches (you should Check the Vernon BS Specific Requirements of BSA Handbook to be sure), but you are obliged to explain risks and availability to the client.

Ground stability, Plansearch,flood searches as well as the searches listed in the question are optional – but only to the extent that you have allowed the borrower client to make an informed choice. Regardless of whether there is a mortgage, If you have not advised the client that these (and other) searches are available and what risks they cover, then you will be liable if the client suffers loss through not conducting one.

Why are Estate Agents using search tools to check if lawyers are on a lenders conveyancing panel ?

Many estate agents are feeling the pain if their clients start out on the conveyancing process having appointed a solicitor who is not on the panel with the purchaser’s chosen lender. Many conveyancing firms are only discovering when they begin working on a case that they are no longer able to work with that lender. Given the inevitable resultant delays in the transaction the chances of an abortive deal increases dramatically. in the circumstances there is understandable anguish on the part of the estate agent as a result of the lost time should the client have to change solicitors lawyers.

Being on the Vernon BS conveyancing panel for what period of time am I expected to archive the complete conveyancing file?

The BSA Mortgage Instructions state that the firm must keep the file for a minimum six years from the date of the mortgage. Data imaging is normally suitable compliance with this requirement. As a firm on the Vernon BS conveyancing panel you must allow Vernon BS to conduct such reasonable audit of your information security measures as Vernon BS or their agents may to ensure your compliance with your file retention obligations.

Are there conditions,outside the BSA Mortgage Instructions, that a firm should be aware of when on the Vernon BS conveyancing panel?

In order to be on the Vernon BS conveyancing panel solicitors have to complete an application form and agree Terms and Conditions. A sample of 5 conditions that we see amongst many lenders Terms (but not necessarily Vernon BS) are as follows:

If you are a sole practitioner, to arrange for appropriate locum cover from our panel where necessary. Your locum must be a member of the Conveyancing panel.
To keep us informed of the reasons for any delay in your being able to send the title deeds and documents we require to us within 3 months of completion or evidence of proof of registration within that period. (We will send reminders if the deeds have not been received but will not acknowledge receipt of deeds.)
To forward the title deeds and documents to another conveyancer within 24 hours of an instruction from us requiring you to do so. On forwarding the deeds as instructed you will confirm to us that you have done so. Upon receipt of your confirmation, we will release you from all undertakings relating to your holding the title deeds.
You have the consent of all borrowers to apply for the deeds, before making any request for deeds. We will accept your request for deeds on the understanding that you have obtained such consent. If this is not the case then you should advise our Deeds Services Department in writing when you make your request
To be responsible for the reconstitution of the title deeds (whether the title is registered or unregistered, at your own cost), where any deeds in your possession, or were last known to be in your possession, go missing.

The Council of Mortgage Lenders Handbook includes instructions for a roof with a solar panel. Vernon BS do not set out obligations via the BSA Mortgage Instructions. Am I missing something?

The BSA Mortgage Instructions don't specifically deal with Solar Panels but it would be prudent as approved solicitors for Vernon BS to raise the issue with them (as you would if the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook applied). In any event you need to raise the appropriate questions for your buyer client.

What lender panels do you receive the most questions about?

BSA lenders do not come within the top 20 lenders in terms of frequency of questions. The most popular lender panels in terms of questions are as follows:

Find a Lawyer on the Vernon BS Conveyancing Panel Building Society

Average number of days to register title including a charge in favour of Vernon BS

This information relates to purchase only and not remortgages.

Year	Days*
2026	[no data]
2025	[no data]
2024	[no data]
2023	[no data]
2022	[no data]
2021	[no data]

* Data aggregated from sources including COMPLETIONmonitor

Find solicitors on the Vernon BS panel near you:

Please note that Lexsure Ltd is in no way associated with nor affiliated with Lexsure Solicitors