Find a Law Firm
approved by RBS (One Account)
Ready to buy a new home? Failing to check that a lawyer is on the RBS (One Account) list of approved solicitors can put your transaction at risk of delay or failure.
Find an Approved Solicitor on the The Royal Bank of Scotland plc One Account Conveyancing Panel
Common questions asked concerning the RBS (One Account) Conveyancing Panel
For what reasons could a firm of solicitors be excluded from the RBS (One Account) approved conveyancing panel?
According to a recent survey report by the solicitors regulator three quarters of law firms had been excluded from a lender panel. The most common reasons in order are :
- lack of transactions
- the lawyer is a sole practitioner
- as part of the HSBC panel reduction
- regulatory contact by SRA
- accidental removal. We are not aware of the specific or common criteria for removal by RBS (One Account)
Our lawyer has discovered a problem with the lease for the property we are buying. The other side have put forward title insurance as a workaround. We are content with insurance and will pay for it. Our solicitor has advised that as he is on the RBS (One Account) conveyancing panel he must check that the lender is happy with this solution. Who is the client here, us or RBS (One Account)?
Just because you have a mortgage offer from RBS (One Account) does not mean to say that the property will be meet their requirements for the purposes of a mortgage. Your lawyer has to ensure that the lease has to comply with the CML Handbook Requirements. You and RBS (One Account) are the client. The appropriate lender requirements must be adhered to by the RBS (One Account) conveyancing panel who has to balance acting for you and RBS (One Account)
I need to find a RBS (One Account) panel solicitor in Stirling. Could you help me?
It is not clear why you need a RBS (One Account) panel solicitor but in any event, if you can not find one on our search tool you will need to speak directly to RBS (One Account) to find out which solicitors in RBS (One Account) are on their panel. If you do find such a firm not listed please direct them to our site to list. At a fee of one pound per month it is not expensive to register on the site
I am purchasing a new build flat and getting a mortgage with RBS (One Account). How practical is it for me to do the conveyancing?
Leaving aside the complexities and merits of DIY conveyancing you will have to appoint a solicitor on the RBS (One Account) conveyancing panel to look after their interests. Most people therefore find it easier to let the solicitor act for them and the lender. Furthermore there is minimal cost savings to made in you doing to conveyancing for yourself and another lawyer conducting the conveyancing for the lender. Please feel free to use the search tool to find a lawyer on the RBS (One Account) conveyancing panel in your location.
Are all Conveyancing Quality Solicitors on the RBS (One Account) conveyancing panel?
Some major lenders now use the accreditation scheme as the starting point for Panel approval such as HSBC and Santander. CQS accreditation however is no guarantee to lender panel acceptance. That being said,the CML have indicated that it is likely to become a pre-requisite for firms wishing to join their approved list of conveyancing solicitors.
When it comes to lenders such as RBS (One Account) do lawyers have to be pay a fee to be on the conveyancing panel?
We are not aware of any lender fees to be on their panel although some do charge an administration charge to deal with the processing of the conveyancing panel application.
I have instructed a lawyer having checked that they are on the RBS (One Account) conveyancing panel. Does my lawyer arrange the survey of the property?
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Having digested plenty of mortgage guides,I note that it is considered advisable to get your house surveyed prior to buying it. When I asked my solicitor - who is on the RBS (One Account) conveyancing panel - on this she said they don't do this and I need to contract an independent surveyor. is that correct?
RBS (One Account) will need an independent valuation of the property. Your lawyer will not arrange this. Usually RBS (One Account) will appoint their own surveyor to do this, and you will have to pay for it. Remember that this is a valuation for mortgage purposes and not a survey.
You may wish to consider appointing your own surveyor to carry out a survey or prepare a home buyers report on the property. It is up to you to satisfy yourself that the property is structurally sound before you buy it. If the survey or report reveals that building work is needed, you should tell your solicitor. You may wish to renegotiate with the seller.
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Your lawyer will not organise the survey but they may be able to put you in touch with a local one that they recommend. RICS offers a find a surveyor service (just google it) where you can search for a qualified surveyor by postcode. As you are getting a mortgage with RBS (One Account) you could contact your them to see if they have a list of approved surveyors.