Find a Law Firm
approved by Whistletree

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

Find an Approved Solicitor on the Whistletree (a trading name of TSB Bank plc) Conveyancing Panel

Whistletree Conveyancing Panel : Questions and Answers

For what reasons would a law firm be removed from the Whistletree approved conveyancing panel?
A survey recently commissioned by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority found that three quarters of solicitor practices had been removed from a lender panel. The most common reasons in order 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. We are not aware of the specific or common criteria for removal by Whistletree
We are due to exchange on the purchase a house but as a result of damage from the recent storms I have agreed compensation from the seller of £3k approx by way of a reduction in the price. This was going to be dealt with as part of the conveyancing process but my mortgage company Whistletree will not agree to this. Why was Whistletree even consulted?
Your lawyer being on the Whistletree conveyancing panel is duty bound to inform Whistletree of any changes to the purchase price. If you were to refuse your lawyers to disclose the reduction to Whistletree then they would have to discontinue acting for you and Whistletree.
Your search tool is useful but there are many lawyers listed near Newcastle on the Whistletree conveyancing panel. Can you recommend a specific firm on the conveyancing panel for Whistletree ?
We do not recommend specific firms as the right firm for you depends on where your priorities lie. For example you may require a local firm with local knowledge or you might be looking for the low cost conveyancing. We recommend that you speak to 3 or 4 lawyers listed before you make your choice..
I am attempting to get my ex-wife removed the mortgage deeds. Can Whistletree really insist on which solicitor I can or can not retain?
You can use any solicitor you like but Whistletree then has the right to appoint a different solicitor to act for them at your expense. It might be more cost effective and quicker to instruct a lawyer who is on the Whistletree solicitors panel
Are all Conveyancing Quality Solicitors on the Whistletree conveyancing panel?
It is true that some banks and building societies now use the accreditation scheme as the starting point for Panel membership such as HSBC and Santander. CQS accreditation however gives 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 remain on their panels.
My wife and I have arranged a further advance on our mortgage from Whistletree as we wish to carry out alterations or improvements our home. Do we need to appoint a solicitor on the Whistletree conveyancing panel to deal with the paperwork?
Whistletree do not ordinarily appoint firms on their conveyancing panel to deal with such a matter. If they did require any legal work then you would need to ensure that such a lawyer was on the Whistletree list
My fiance and I are at the point of looking at flats and am about to put in an offer. Is it premature to have a solicitor in place? I will be getting a mortgage with Whistletree
It would be sensible to have your start your search soon rather than later. Once you decide who you want to use and once your offer is accepted you can instruct them to work for you and pass their details on the the EA. As you are getting a mortgage with Whistletree , make sure you remember to check that your lawyer is on the Whistletree conveyancing panel.