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approved by Sainsburys
Ready to buy a new home? Failing to check that a lawyer is on the Sainsburys list of approved solicitors can put your transaction at risk of delay or failure.
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How does my firm apply to be on the Sainsburys Bank Conveyancing Panel? How can my firm be reinstated onto the Sainsburys Bank Conveyancing Panel?Find an Approved Solicitor on the Sainsburys Bank Conveyancing Panel
Common questions asked concerning the Sainsburys Bank Solicitor Panel
Is the fact that my conveyancer is not identified on the Sainsburys Bank Solicitor panel that there is a problem with the quality of his conveyancing?
It would not be wise to jump to that conclusion. There are all sorts of perfectly reasonable explanations. A recent report by the solicitors regulator indicated 76% of law firms surveyed had been removed from at least one lender panel. The most common reasons for removal are: (1) lack of transactions (2) the lawyer is a sole practitioner (3) as part of the HSBC panel reduction (4) regulatory contact by SRA (5) accidental removal. If you are concerned you should simply call the firm and ask them why they are no longer on the approved list for Sainsburys Bank.
My solicitor has discovered a difference between the assumptions in Sainsburys Bank’s home valuation survey and what is revealed within the conveyancing documents. My lawyer informs me that as he is on the Sainsburys Bank conveyancing panel he needs to check that the bank is OK with this discrepancy and is content go ahead. Is my lawyer’s approach correct?
A precondition to being on the Sainsburys Bank approved panel is to comply with the CML Handbook requirements (last updated for this lender on Sainsburys Bank) which do require that your lawyer disclose any incorrect assumptions in the lender’s valuation report and the legal papers. Should you refuse to allow your lawyer to make the appropriate notification then your lawyer will have no choice but to discontinue acting for you.
I need to find a Sainsburys Bank panel solicitor in Belfast. Could you help me?
It is not clear why you need a Sainsburys Bank panel solicitor but in any event, if you can not find one on our search tool you will need to speak directly to Sainsburys Bank to find out which solicitors in Sainsburys Bank are on their panel. If you do find such a firm not listed please direct them to our site to list. After all the cost is only one £1 a month
I was scheduled to complete on my flat yesterday. My lawyer’s firm is on the Sainsburys Bank conveyancing panel but has changed address in the past couple of months and had not advised Sainsburys Bank of their new address. Sainsburys Bank is now refusing to release my funds until such time as their systems are up to date with the correct details.
This is a rare situation indeed. The majority of lender Terms of Conveyancing Panel Appointment specifically oblige the solicitor to inform the lender of an address change. Your solicitor needs to treat this with the utmost urgency. Do speak with or register your concern with the senior partner (assuming he or she is not your direct lawyer). Most lenders would be reasonable in this situation and expedite the resolution of this issue. It may be prudent to enlist the help of your local Sainsburys Bank branch or your mortgage broker to see if they can help.
When it comes to mortgage companies such as Sainsburys Bank do lawyers have to be pay a fee to be on the list of approved solicitors?
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.
Is it common for Sainsburys Bank to withdraw a mortgage offer and what would be the reasoning?
Banks and Building Societies such as Sainsburys Bank can revoke their mortgage offer although this is unusual. If Sainsburys Bank withdraw their offer they may or may not inform you or the lawyer as to the reasons why. There are many potential reasons but here are a few examples:
- Many mortgage offers have an expiry date. Your lawyer should check this. Sainsburys Bank may amend or withdraw an offer before the end of its validation period if an offer extension is requested and following a re-evaluation of the property the value of the security is below a level which is acceptable to them.
- Situations where information provided by the borrower that enabled the lender to make a lending decision is fraudulent, incorrect or misleading.
- Where the lender has to take account a recent change in taxation
- If the lender reasonably suspects that the applicant, borrower, mortgagor or guarantor is involved in any criminal or fraudulent activity, including trading in illegal drugs or other substances, theft, robbery, deception or other serious offences, or if the applicant borrower, mortgagor or guarantor has a conviction for any serious criminal offence, including theft, deception, fraud, robbery or trade in illegal drugs or other substances;
- If the solicitor on the Sainsburys Bank conveyancing panel acting for the applicant, borrower, mortgagor or guarantor cannot comply with Sainsburys Bank ‘s instructions
I am currently in the process of buying my council flat. I have a mortgage offer with Sainsburys Bank. Conveyancing is new to me. Can I proceed without a solicitor easily? I think we can but we keep being told I should have one. Any advice?
It is not advisable proceed with a house purchase without a solicitor. The council's solicitor are not acting for you. You need a solicitor for a number reasons. One of which is to verify what plans the Council have for repairs and refurbishment for the next five years. Many leaseholders have been stung for contributions of thousands of pounds. In any event if you are getting a mortgage with Sainsburys Bank you will need to appoint a solicitor on the Sainsburys Bank conveyancing panel.
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