I am not well enough to travel far from Shortlands. What is the rationale as to why all Shortlands conveyancing practitioners are not on all bank panels?

Before the recession most lenders exhibited an attitude to risk which is different than today. The financial regulator in 2010 carried out a thematic review into property fraud which concluded: know the conveyancers on your panel. Consequently, mortgage companies have subsequently soughtmore data from law firms concerning their processes and the staff who work for them and set certain criteria such as completing a minimum number of transactions. Hundreds of firms have been removed from lender panels even though they had 100% healthy disciplinary record, no complaints and zero claims and didn't just 'dabble' in conveyancing. Many firms found it impossible satisfy the criteria of amount of transactions the lenders set.

We note that you have a post code search directory listing solicitors on the Barclays conveyancing panel. Do companies pay you a referral fee if I retain them for our conveyancing in Shortlands?

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

What is your number one tip for choosing a conveyancing solicitor in Shortlands

It would be unwise to be seduced by the cheapest Shortlands conveyancing costs illustration. You really do get what you’re paying for when it comes to conveyancing solicitors. A cheap quote may mean that the conveyancing solicitor is handling a lot of jobs at one time and you won’t get the quality of service and the attention that you need. It is, however, wise to use a conveyancer who has a fixed fee on a no sale, no fee basis. This way, you go into the conveyancing with your eyes wide open.

I am purchasing a property in Shortlands. An unusual aspect is that the roof has a solar panel. HSBC have issued a mortgage offer so presumably this is not a concern to them. Why is my solicitor raising questions about the panel?

Given that your lender is HSBC your lawyer must follow the conveyancing requirements contained in Section two of UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook for HSBC. The CML Handbook stipulates minimum requirements for solar panel roof-space leases, and conveyancing practitioners are required to report to HSBC where a lease does not meet these conditions. The requirements relate to the installation of panels on properties nationwide and is not restricted to Shortlands.

I had an offer accepted on a property in Shortlands on 14/11/2025, valuation was booked 3 days later, all came back fine. Property lawyer retained, so the only thing outstanding was my mortgage offer. Having made daily calls to Aldermore and chasing them on my offer, I have now been told that my offer will not be issued unless the lawyer is on the Aldermore conveyancing panel. Can the lender hold off the offer?

A lender would not issue an offer until they have details of a lawyer on their panel. It can take a few weeks for Aldermore to deal with your lawyer's application to be on the Aldermore conveyancing panel. There's no guarantee that your solicitor will be accepted.

Just had an offer accepted on a new build flat in Shortlands. Conveyancing is daunting at the best of times but I have never purchased a new build flat before. What sort of enquires would be asked in new build legal work.

Set out below is a sample of a few leasehold new build enquiries that you can expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Shortlands

Has the Lease plan been approved by the Land Registry and if not when will they be lodged for this purpose? Please supply evidence that the form of Lease proposed has been approved by the Land Registry. The Vendor must covenant to keep unsold units in good repair until long leases are granted therefore. Please confirm the Lease plans are architect prepared. Forfeiture - bankruptcy or liquidation must not apply under this provision.

I've recently found out that there is a flying freehold element on a property I have offered on two weeks back in what should have been a quick, no chain conveyancing. Shortlands is the location of the property. What do you suggest?

Flying freeholds in Shortlands are rare but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even where you use a solicitor outside Shortlands you must be sure that your lawyer goes through the deeds thoroughly. Your bank may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Shortlands may determine that this is not enough and that the deeds be re-written to give you the most up to date legal protection. If so, the next door neighbour also had to sign up to the revised deeds.It is possible that your lender will not accept the situation so the sooner you find out the better. You should also check with your insurance broker as to whether they will insure a flying freehold property.