Better HomeOwnership Conveyancing Panel Information

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

Better HomeOwnership Conveyancing Panel: Recently Asked Questions

Read More

Is there a standard appeals process to prevent solicitors from being unfairly removed them from lender conveyancing panels?
There are thousands of firms across the UK who feel aggrieved claiming that they have been removed from lenders’ panels without an explanation or a good reason. It is highly unlikely, given that lenders have distanced themselves from creating a standardised appeals process for brokers, that an appeals process will be introduced for lawyers. Commenting on the call by brokers to have a standardised process the CML said’ “While we understand that some lenders do have an appeals process, it would not be appropriate for a trade body such as the CML to seek to be prescriptive about such a process.” Some lenders do of course set out an appeals policy. The Law Society does have information on it’s site that may be of assistance. If you would like to talk to one of our compliance experts about our Lender Panel Protection Service please complete the form here.
Why are Estate Agents using search tools to check if lawyers are on a lenders conveyancing panel?
Many estate agents will be suffering if their clients start out on the conveyancing process using a conveyancer 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 .
An established client of mine is purchasing a detached house for £750k in Bristol requiring a mortgage advance over GBP 410k. I am on the Better HomeOwnership conveyancing panel but do Better HomeOwnership have a separate approved panel when the advance is above 350k?
We only know of two or three banks that operate a distinct approved solicitors panel where the mortgage advance is over a certain amount. You should nevertheless check directly with Better HomeOwnership. At one stage HSBC would only allow Sole practitioners to act for them where the mortgage was below £150,000. We are not sure if HSBC still operate such a condition. In your case it is best to check with Better HomeOwnership
I read the occasional LENDERmonitor email but I seldom see significant changes. For instance, Fortunately my practice on the Better HomeOwnership conveyancing panel and get an alerts simply telling me a change of address. Isn't that just noise?
Yes it does matter because sending a communication or deeds to the wrong address can cause delays that might not only affect your borrower client but also impact your chances of staying on the Better HomeOwnership conveyancing panel. Is possible next month that Better HomeOwnership change their requirements as to where the post completion documents should be sent. Do you update the details in your case management system? Is this recorded anywhere? Is this communicated to the staff? In your Certificate of Title to Better HomeOwnership you are giving assurances that you will send the deeds within 10 days of receiving the TID. Leaving to one side whether you are in breach of an undertaking in sending it to the wrong address, you run the risk of Better HomeOwnership suspending you off the panel because they are not receiving the deeds in accordance with the COT. It will not be a valid excuse to say that you sent it to an out of date postal address or DX details.
Will CQS accreditation secure my firm’s acceptance on to lenders conveyancing panels?
CQS membership gives no guarantee to lender panel acceptance. Nevertheless the Council of Mortgage Lenders have indicated that it is likely to become a prerequisite for firms wishing to remain on their panels. Some mortgage companies now use the scheme as the starting point for Panel approval as is the case with HSBC.
I am on the Better HomeOwnership conveyancing panel and due to complete a purchase within the next week. My papers do not include a Mortgage Deed for the client to execute. Who do I contact at Better HomeOwnership to request substitute deeds?
You need to communicate with Better HomeOwnership to obtain standard documents. The The Council of Mortgage Lenders Handbook incorporates a specific question for banks to establish who to contact to obtain standard documents. Better HomeOwnership in their Part 2’s state:
Please remember to quote the firm’s Better HomeOwnership solicitors panel number.

Find a Lawyer on the Better HomeOwnership Conveyancing Panel

powered by LenderPanel

Average number of days to register title including a charge in favour of Better HomeOwnership
This information relates to purchase only and not remortgages.
YearDays*
2026 [no data]
2025 [no data]
2024 [no data]
2023 [no data]
2022 [no data]
2021 [no data]
* Data aggregated from sources including COMPLETIONmonitor