Find a Law Firm
approved by Mortgage Express
Ready to buy a new home? Failing to check that a lawyer is on the Mortgage Express list of approved solicitors can put your transaction at risk of delay or failure.
Looking for information about your firm's panel status?
How does my firm apply to be on the Mortgage Express Conveyancing Panel? How can my firm be reinstated onto the Mortgage Express Conveyancing Panel?Find an Approved Solicitor on the Mortgage Express Conveyancing Panel
Mortgage Express (No 2) Conveyancing Panel Example Support Desk Enquires
I am selling my apartment and the EA has just texted me to advise that the buyers are switching solicitor. I am told that this is due to the fact that Mortgage Express (No 2) will only work with solicitors on their approved list. On what basis would a leading lender only engage with specific solicitors?
Banks have always had panels of law firms they are willing to work with, but in the past few years big names such as Lloyds Banking Group, have reviewed and reduced their conveyancing panel– in some cases removing conveyancing firms who have worked with them for decades.
Banks point to the increase in fraud as the reason for the cull – criteria have been tightened and a smaller panel should be easier to keep an eye on. No lender will say how many solicitors have been dropped, claiming the information is commercially sensitive, but the Law Society says it is hearing daily from firms that have been removed from panels, or have other concerns about them. Some do not even realise they have been dropped until contacted by a borrower who has instructed them as might be the situation in your buyer’s case. Your purchasers are unlikely to have any sway in the decision.
We are getting closer to an exchange and my parents having sent the 10% deposit to my lawyer. I am now advised that as the deposit has not come from me my lawyer needs to make a notification to my lender Mortgage Express (No 2). Apparently, being on the Mortgage Express (No 2) conveyancing panel and acting on their behalf he must inform Mortgage Express (No 2) if the balance of the mortgage advance is coming from anyone other than me. I advised the bank about my parent’s contribution when I applied for the mortgage so is it really necessary for him to raise this?
Your lawyer is obliged to check with Mortgage Express (No 2) to make sure that they are aware that the balance of the purchase price is not from your own funds. Your solicitor can only report this to Mortgage Express (No 2) if you agree, failing which, your lawyer must cease to continue acting.
I am looking for conveyancing quotes online. Can I be confident that all the firms that are listed on your site are on the Mortgage Express (No 2) conveyancing panel?
The law firms listed on our site have assured us via an online form that they are on the Mortgage Express (No 2) panel and agreed to advise us to take down their listing in the event of removal off of the Mortgage Express (No 2) panel. To date we have not been informed by either a mortgage company or a member of the public that the data about a specific firm being on the Mortgage Express (No 2) conveyancing panel is not accurate.
I am purchasing a right to buy flat and getting a mortgage with Mortgage Express (No 2). Conveyancing solicitors are said to be ‘a necessary evil’ but can I do it myself?
Leaving aside the complexities and merits of DIY conveyancing you will have to appoint a solicitor on the Mortgage Express (No 2) 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 Mortgage Express (No 2) conveyancing panel in your location.
Are all solicitor practices on the Mortgage Express (No 2) conveyancing panel regulated by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority?
As a firm of solicitors, in order to be on the Mortgage Express (No 2) conveyancing panel they would need to be regulated by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority. Many lenders do allow licenced conveyancers on their panel in which case such firms would be regulated by the Council of Licensed Conveyancers (CLC).
My wife and I have arranged a further advance on our mortgage from Mortgage Express (No 2) as we wish to carry out alterations or improvements our home. Do we need to appoint a solicitor on the Mortgage Express (No 2) conveyancing panel to deal with the legals?
Mortgage Express (No 2) would not normally instruct a member of 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 Mortgage Express (No 2) list
In what circumstances might Mortgage Express (No 2) amend or withdraw their mortgage offer?
Banks and Building Societies such as Mortgage Express (No 2) can withdraw their mortgage offer although this is unusual. should Mortgage Express (No 2) withdraw their offer they may or may not inform you or the lawyer as to the reasons why. There are various possible reasons but here are 5 examples:
- Mortgage Express (No 2) may amend or withdraw an offer if the Mortgage Express (No 2) conveyancing panel solicitor is unable to confirm compliance with any of the conditions of the mortgage offer or if any of the terms of the mortgage offer cannot be satisfied
- A cashback to the buyer, or | part of the price includes a non-cash incentive to the buyer (eg paid stamp duty land tax),or | any indirect incentive (cash or non cash) or rental guarantee, of which the lender was previously unaware
- Where the purchase price and borrowers direct contribution differ to details on the mortgage application form completed by the borrower
- Where the sale is not at arms length for value to unconnected persons
- Where the Lender’s right to possession is fettered in some way