Whistletree Conveyancing Panel Information

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

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Whistletree Conveyancing Panel: Recently Asked Questions

Whistletree have asked me to conduct due diligence for them alone on a residential conveyancing transaction , using the CML Lender’s Handbook. The borrower has his own solicitor (not on the Whistletree conveyancing panel) How does this work and are there different requirements from Whistletree in this situation?

The CML, along with Whistletree and other lenders created a standard set of instructions where a solicitor is acting for a lender such as Whistletree alone in a residential conveyancing matter. These requirements are contained at Part III of the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook and are to be read together with Part I and II. The CML have published an example requirements letter to the borrower’s conveyancing solicitor for adaptation by the lender's conveyancer, and sets out to the borrower's conveyancer, the documentary and information requirements of the lender's panel solicitor.

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 click here.

Am I obliged, being on the Whistletree conveyancing panel, to carry out a LMO4 search?

Whistletree 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 Whistletree 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 borrower.

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?

A leading search supplier lists over 72 conveyancing 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 Searchflow.

Do publish figures exists regarding the Whistletree conveyancing panel size and the number of conveyancing firms removed from their panel each quarter?

With mortgage companies and solicitors working so closely with one another it is surprising that there has not been much call for the introduction of a bit of transparency regarding not just the figures for the Whistletree conveyancing panel but for all bank panels

Our membership of the Whistletree conveyancing panel was terminated but was reinstated on appeal, do I need to include this information on my CQS application?

You should provide details of the date of removal, information on the reason for removal, date of appeal and any reason given for reinstatement. This should not negatively affect your firm’s application but gives the CQS team a complete picture of what has happened.

I am on the Whistletree conveyancing panel and due to complete a purchase within the next week. My file does not contain a Mortgage Deed for the client to sign. Who do I contact at Whistletree to request substitute deeds?

You would be advised to communicate with Whistletree to obtain standard documents. The The Council of Mortgage Lenders Handbook has a specific section for banks to establish who to contact to obtain standard documents. Whistletree in their Part 2’s state:

Don’t forget to quote the firm’s Whistletree conveyancing panel reference.

Find a Lawyer on the Whistletree Conveyancing Panel

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

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

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