I am nearing exchange of contracts for my apartment in Crewe and the estate agent has just telephoned to advise that the buyers are switching law firm. The excuse is that the bank will only work with solicitors on their conveyancing panel. Why would a leading mortgage company only deal with specific solicitors rather the firm that they want to choose to handle their conveyancing in Crewe ?

UK lenders have always had panels of law firms that can represent them, but in the past few years big names such as Santander, have considered and reduced their conveyancing panel– in some cases removing conveyancing firms who have worked with them for decades.

Banks attribute this action to a rise in fraud as the reason for the reduction – criteria have been narrowed as a smaller panel is easier to oversee. Banks tend not to reveal how many solicitors have been dropped, claiming the information is commercially sensitive, but the Law Society claims that it is being contacted daily by practices that have been removed from panels. Plenty of firms do not even realise they have been dropped until contacted by a borrower who has instructed them as might be the situation in your buyers' case. The purchasers are unlikely to have any sway in the decision.

My mortgage company has suggested solicitors on their panel based in Crewe but I would rather choose a conveyancing lawyer in Crewe or nearer to where I live. Are you able to assist?

Far from all Crewe conveyancing solicitors are listed all lender’s conveyancing panel. Please make the most of the above search tool to choose a Crewe conveyancing solicitor on the on the lender panel.

How does conveyancing in Crewe differ for new build properties?

Most buyers of new build residence in Crewe come to us having been asked by the seller to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the property is finished. This is because new home sellers in Crewe typically buy the real estate, 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 Crewe or who has acted in the same development.

My cousin has recommend that I appoint his conveyancers in Crewe. Should I use them?

Much as we are happy to recommend a Crewe conveyancing lawyer the ideal way to select a conveyancing lawyer is to get guidance from friends or relatives who have used the firm that you are considering.

I note that you have a search directory listing law firms on the mortgage company conveyancing panel. Do Crewe conveyancing companies pay you a commission if I instruct them for my own house purchase?

We are a listing service only for law firms wishing to communicate if they are on the lender conveyancing panel or other lender panels. We do not charge referral fees to the any conveyancer that you subsequently appoint for your conveyancing in Crewe.