My wife and I are hoping to acquire a 3 bedroom flat in Sacriston with a mortgage. We would like to retain our Sacriston lawyer, but the bank says he's not on their "panel". We have to appoint one of the lender panel conveyancing practices or continue with our Sacriston lawyer as well as pay for one of their panel firms to act for them. We regard this is inequitable; is there anything we can do?
No, not really. Your mortgage offer 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. Another option that might be available is for your Sacriston conveyancing lawyer to apply to be on the conveyancing panel.
I am told that my conveyancing solicitors will need to check that the building insurance for my purchase of a house in Sacriston. My lender is Tesco Bank
Tesco Bank have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook. As of 18/6/2025, the requirements read as follows :
How does conveyancing in Sacriston differ for new build properties?
Most buyers of new build or newly converted property in Sacriston approach us having been asked by the developer to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the premises is built. This is because developers in Sacriston typically acquire the site, 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 conveyancers 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 Sacriston or who has acted in the same development.
Due to the advice of my in-laws I had a survey completed on a property in Sacriston in advance of retaining lawyers. I have been advised that there is a flying freehold aspect to the property. My surveyor advised that some mortgage companies will refuse to grant a mortgage on this type of property.
It depends who your proposed lender is. Lloyds has different instructions from Halifax. If you call us we can check with the appropriate lender. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can help as they are used to dealing with flying freeholds in Sacriston. Conveyancing can be more complicated and therefore you should check with your conveyancing solicitor in Sacriston to see if the conveyancing costs will increase in light of this.
What does commercial conveyancing in Sacriston cover?
Sacriston conveyancing for business premises incorporates a wide array of guidance, offered by regulated solicitors, relating to business premises. For instance, this area of conveyancing can cover the sale or purchase of freehold business premises or, more usually, the assignment of existing leases or the drafting of new leasing arrangements. Commercial conveyancing solicitors can also offer advice on the sale of business assets, commercial loans and the termination of tenancies.
I have noted on various consumer advice websites that before selecting a conveyancing solicitors they must be approved by your lender. It happens to be my first home move but I have an offer in principle from Birmingham Midhshires and I already have a bricks and morter conveyancing lawyer in Sacriston in place. Can Halifax insist on an approved lawyer to be used? Does a directory of panel solicitors even exist for my conveyancing in Sacriston?
You should instruct a solicitor that is on the Halifax panel. The first thing to do is ring your chosen Sacriston conveyancing lawyer and ask if they are on the Halifax panel. If they are not on the panel you have a number of options available to you here:
- Complete the purchase with your existing Sacriston property lawyer but Halifax will no doubt use a lawyer on their conveyancing panel. The net result is additional fees together with potential frustration.
- Appoint a fresh conveyancer to act in the purchase, not forgetting to check that they are on the Halifax conveyancing panel.
- Convince your property lawyer to seek to join the bank panel.