Find a Law Firm approved by Natwest Bank

Ready to buy a new home? Failing to check that a lawyer is on the Natwest Bank list of approved solicitors can put your transaction at risk of delay or failure.

Find a Law Firm approved by Natwest Bank
Find a Law Firm approved by Natwest Bank

Find an Approved Solicitor on the National Westminster Bank plc Conveyancing Panel

Q and A’s regarding the National Westminster Bank Solicitor Panel

A solicitor my fiance and I wanted to use for conveyancing on a remortgage said he would charge more if my lender is due to their unusual legal requirements. Am I likely to be frustrated using National Westminster Bank? Is National Westminster Bank conveyancing so much more difficult?
National Westminster Bank conveyancing requirements for their panel are no better or no more complicated than most lenders. It is the case now the CML Handbook, the "bible" used by solicitors to establish lender requirements, is different for each lender. It is not clear if your lawyer is on the National Westminster Bank conveyancing panel. If they are not, this does add further risk of delay as National Westminster Bank will appoint their own solicitors to look after their interest.
Expecting to complete my purchase next Thursday. I have now been asked to send a copy of my building insurance schedule by my solicitor as as he informs me that he is duty bound to validate that it is in order for National Westminster Bank. What does the insurance need to cover?
Any lawyer on the National Westminster Bank conveyancing panel would need to check that the following risks are covered fire; lightning; aircraft; explosion; earthquake; storm; flood; escape of water or oil; riot; malicious damage; theft or attempted theft; falling trees and branches and aerials; subsidence; heave;landslip;collision;accidental damage to underground services;professional fees, demolition and site clearance costs; and public liability to anyone else. There are some other issues such as the level of excess that are set out in National Westminster Bank’s Part 2 requirements of the CML Handbook (last updated on National Westminster Bank). Being on the National Westminster Bank conveyancing panel your lawyer is expect to follow these instructions.
What tools are available to find a local solicitor on the National Westminster Bank conveyancing panel? I have a car and am prepared to travel up to 10 kilometers to meet the solicitor.
Feel free to make use of the find a conveyancing panel tool on this page. Please choose the lender and your location and you will see a number of lawyer located nearest you. Alternatively you can type in the name of your proposed law firm and see if they are listed as being on the National Westminster Bank solicitor panel.
I am considering applying for a National Westminster Bank mortgage for purchase of a newly converted (under development) with 60% loan to value. Is it compulsory to choose a solicitor on the conveyancing panel for National Westminster Bank?
There is nothing to stop you using your solicitor but National Westminster Bank will insist on their interests being represented by a firm on their conveyancing panel. There is greater potential for delays and confusion with two solicitors involved, and it will undoubtedly be more expensive too.
I am buying a property where the roof has a solar panel. Solicitors conducting should look into this right? Will my lender National Westminster Bank be concerned
As you are obtaining a mortgage with National Westminster Bank your lawyer must to check the National Westminster Bank conveyancing instructions contained in the Part of CML Handbook for National Westminster Bank . The CML Handbook contains minimum requirements for solar panel roof-space leases, and solicitors are required to report to National Westminster Bank where a lease does not meet these requirements. The requirements relate to the installation of panels on properties in England and Wales. Requirements for Scotland are due in the near future.
I have not been happy with the level or service received from my lawyer. Is there a National Westminster Bank conveyancing panel complaints department or do I complain directly to the law firm?
There is little point in complaining directly to National Westminster Bank. All solicitors and conveyancer must have a complaints procedure. You can get information from the solicitor’s or conveyancer’s website or ask at their office. They must tell you about it if you ask.

The Legal Ombudsman will make sure that your complaint is properly dealt with by the solicitor. It can also advise you how to complain.

If a licensed conveyancer does not have a complaints procedure or will not tell you about it, contact the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC), which will make sure that your complaint is properly dealt with by the conveyancer. Please see below for more information.

After much negotiation I have agreed a price on an apartment. My mortgage broker pressured me to appoint their lawyers I paid an upfront payment of 150. Soon after the conveyancers contacted me sheepishly admitting that they were not on the National Westminster Bank conveyancing panel. Am I right in thinking that I should be due a refund?
You should be able to recover this from the law firm if they were not on the National Westminster Bank panel. They should have asked at the outset which lender you were obtaining a mortgage with. An important lesson to readers of this site is to check that the lawyers are on the appropriate lender panel.

Other Topics

Transfer of Equity for National Westminster Bank

Please note that Lexsure Ltd is in no way associated with nor affiliated with Lexsure Solicitors