My wife and I are intent on buying a ground floor flat in Epsom. My lawyer is not on the lender conveyancing panel. Am I still permitted to appoint my Epsom conveyancing solicitor even though they are not on the mortgage company panel?
You must appoint a lawyer to complete the legal work required if you take out a mortgage to buy your property. They will carry out all the relevant investigations on the property, ensuring that you’re registered as proprietor and ensure that all the necessary mortgage paperwork is in order. One can appoint a Epsom solicitor of your choosing. However, where the lawyer appointed is not a member of the lender approved list supplemental charges will arise as separate legal representation will be need by the bank. Bank panel applications can be submitted, so if your lawyer has not previously applied for membership they should do so.
Will my conveyancing lawyers need to check that the building insurance when buying a house in Epsom. My lender is Accord Mortgages
Accord Mortgages have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook. As of 16/2/2026, the requirements read as follows :
Are all Epsom Conveyancing Quality Solicitors on the Kent Reliance conveyancing panel?
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 CML have indicated that it is likely to become a pre-requisite for solicitor practices wishing to join their approved list of conveyancing solicitors.
When it comes to mortgage companies such as Leeds Building Society, do Epsom property lawyers incur a yearly amount to be on the list of approved solicitors?
We are unaware of any mortgage company fees to register on their panel, although some do charge an administration charge to deal with the processing of the conveyancing panel application.
Is there a list of Virgin Money panel solicitors in Epsom on the Building Society Association’s Website?
No. There is no such facility on the CML or Building Society Association websites. A small selection of lending institutions make their panel listings viewable on the web. Where you are seeking to appoint a Epsom lawyer on the Virgin Money please make the most of our facility.
I used Wolstenholmes a few years ago for my conveyancing in Epsom. Now, I need my documents but the law firm is no longer operating. What do I do?
You should contact the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) to assist in tracing your conveyancing files. They can be contacted on please contact on 0870 606 2555. Alternatively, you should use their online form to make an enquiry. You will need to provide the SRA with as much information as possible to assist their search, including the name and address in Epsom of the conveyancing firm of solicitors you previously instructed, the name of conveyancing solicitor with whom you had dealings, and the date on which you last had dealings with the firm.
I own a leasehold house in Epsom. Conveyancing and Leeds Building Society mortgage went though with no issue. A letter has just been received from someone claiming to own the freehold. It included a ground rent demand for rent dating back to 1997. The conveyancing practitioner in Epsom who previously acted has long since retired. What should I do?
The first thing you should do is contact HMLR to make sure that this person is indeed the registered owner of the freehold reversion. It is not necessary to incur the fees of a Epsom conveyancing lawyer to do this as you can do this on the Land Registry website for a few pound. Rest assured that regardless, even if this is the legitimate freeholder, under the Limitation Act 1980 no more than 6 years of rent can be collected.
I am the registered owner of a two-bedroom flat in Epsom. Given that I can not reach agreement with the freeholder, can the Leasehold valuation Tribunal determine the amount due for a lease extension?
Most certainly. We are happy to put you in touch with a Epsom conveyancing firm who can help.
An example of a Lease Extension case for a Epsom residence is 33 The Maisonettes Alberta Avenue in June 2014. the Tribunal decided that the premium payable for the grant of a new lease be the sum of £20,680 (Twenty Thousand six hundred and eighty pounds). This case affected 1 flat. The unexpired term was 60.43 years.
Am in the process of purchasing my first home in Epsom. Conveyancing practitioner has been selected. The mortgage adviser advised that a survey is not necessary as the property was only constructed in 2002.
You would be well advised to have a Home Buyer's Report. As the residence is more than ten years old the property will be without a warranty, so you don't want to take a risk. For a property that age with no signs of defects a Home Buyer's report could be enough. They will highlight any obvious issues and suggest additional investigation if relevant. If there are any signs of problems obtain a full Building Survey from the beginning.