Virgin Conveyancing Panel Information

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

Virgin Conveyancing Panel: Recently Asked Questions

Will the fact that my firm subscribes to Alerts via this site assist in my application to join the Virgin solicitor panel?
The criteria to join the Virgin conveyancing panel is likely to be fairly detailed and is unlikely to include signing up to LENDERmonitor alerts.

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Am I obliged, being on the Virgin conveyancing panel, to carry out a Cancel Search?
Virgin make no specific obligation to carry out any of the searches listed. The UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook 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’.

Please note that most ‘less usual searches’ (as described in the Law Society’s Conveyancing Handbook) are not optional as far as Virgin are concerned if they are ‘appropriate’. Most lenders will not require environmental searches (you should Check Part 2 of UK Finance Lenders’ 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. Is this covered within your Terms of Engagement or Report on Title?

One search provider lists over 72 property searches – do you know what all of them are and when they may be relevant? If you are unsure as to which searches are appropriate based on location contact your search provider or call one of the leading search companies such as STL.

Why are Estate Agents using search tools to check if lawyers are on a lenders conveyancing panel?
Many estate agents are suffering 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 .
Do I risk of being suspended off the Virgin conveyancing panel if I have not sent the TID on a purchase within a certain period of completion?
You might expect Virgin via their Part Two conditions to address this but the Handbook makes no mention on deadlines to send deeds. Do look at the Terms of Virgin’s Conveyancing Panel Appointment that you previously signed. For a number of banks these Terms contain a clause such as: ‘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’ It is imperative to keep Virgin updated. Law firms can often compound their problems by not communicating with the lender when there is a delay or problem.
Are there any specific Virgin conveyancing panel obligations relating to Transfer of Equity Conveyancing?
Virgin approved solicitors are bound by the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook instructions relating to Transfer of Equity. These are set out in Section 16.3. First, your firm must approve the form of Transfer of Equity (which should be in the Land Registry's standard form) and, if Virgin require, the deed of covenant on their behalf. You will need to check Virgin CML Part 2 conditions to see if Virgin have standard forms of transfer and deed of covenant. Please note that this requirement can change from one transaction to another so do check! Second,When drafting or approving a transfer, you should bear in mind that: although the transfer should state that it is subject to the mortgage (identified by date and parties), it need give no details of the terms of the mortgage; the transfer need not state the amount of the mortgage debt. If it does, the figure should include both principal and interest at the date of completion, which you must check ; there should be no statement that all interest has been paid to date. Further obligations are set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook which have to be followed by all firms on the Virgin conveyancing panel
We had our Virgin panel membership terminated but we have not yet been given a reason as to why. I am completing a CQS application questionnaire what details do I need to disclose?
In the circumstances please clarify on the form what steps you have taken to discover the reasons behind cancellation of your Virgin panel status. In particular please provide details if you have received communications from the lender. E.G. before revocation of your panel membership did you receive any letters or calls from the lender advising you as to their reasons?
My firm is listed on the Virgin conveyancing panel and due to complete a remortgage within the next few weeks. My file does not contain a Mortgage Deed for the client to execute. Who do I contact at Virgin to request substitute deeds?
You should contact Virgin to obtain standard documents. The The Council of Mortgage Lenders Handbook contains an individual question for lenders to establish who to contact to obtain standard documents. Virgin in their Part 2’s state:
It is likely that you will need to disclose the firm’s Virgin solicitors panel reference.

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