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.
Looking for information about your firm's panel status?
How does my firm apply to be on the The Royal Bank of Scotland plc One Account Conveyancing Panel? How can my firm be reinstated onto the The Royal Bank of Scotland plc One Account Conveyancing Panel?Find an Approved Solicitor on the The Royal Bank of Scotland plc One Account Conveyancing Panel
RBS (One Account) Conveyancing Panel : Questions and Answers
The conveyancer my fiance and I had intended to instruct on a remortgage said he will levy higher legal fees if my mortgage is with RBS (One Account) because of their unusual legal requirements. Will I regret using RBS (One Account)? Any comments will be appreciated
RBS (One Account) 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 RBS (One Account) conveyancing panel. If they are not, this does add further risk of delay as RBS (One Account) will appoint their own solicitors to look after their interest.
Expecting to complete my purchase next Tuesday. I have now been asked to send a copy of my building insurance schedule by my solicitor as he says that he has to check this in has capacity as lawyer for RBS (One Account). What risks do RBS (One Account) expect the insurance to cover?
Any lawyer on the RBS (One Account) 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 RBS (One Account)’s Part 2 requirements of the CML Handbook (last updated on RBS (One Account)). Being on the RBS (One Account) conveyancing panel your lawyer is expect to follow these instructions.
Do all the firms listed on your search have online case tracking as I was under the impression that this was a precondition of being on the RBS (One Account) conveyancing panel?
No. There is no CML Part 2 or Building Society Association requirement relating to online case tracking. Some law firms operate such technology and some don't.
What happens if my lawyer’s firm is expelled from the RBS (One Account) Conveyancing panel before the moving date as agreed at exchange of contracts?
First, this is a very rare occurrence. In most cases even where a law firm is removed off of a panel the lender would allow the completion to go ahead as the lender would appreciate the difficulties that they would place you in if you have ti instruct a new solicitor days before completion. In a worst case scenario where the lender insists that you instruct a new firm then it is possible for a very good lawyer to expedite the conveyancing albeit that you may pay a significant premium for this. The analogous situation is where a buyer instructs a lawyer, exchanges contracts and the law firm is shut down by the regulator such as the SRA. Again, in this situation you can find lawyers who can troubleshoot their way to bring the conveyancing to a satisfactory conclusion - albeit at a cost.
I had instructed online solicitors located in Manchester who are on the RBS (One Account) solicitor panel. They are now charging me a separate fee of £175 for dealing with the RBS (One Account) mortgage. Is this an additional conveyancing fee specified by RBS (One Account)?
Unfortunately, as long as it is in their Terms and Conditions or Quote then yes your solicitors can charge a fee for this. This fee is not set by RBS (One Account) but by your lawyers. Some firms on the RBS (One Account) will charge an ‘acting for lender’ fee and others do not.
Do the majority of lenders operate their own panel of solicitors?
Many lenders do operate a restricted conveyancing panel but a lot of lenders allow any solicitors to join their panel so long as they meet their criteria. Each lender sets their own criteria. For example the RBS (One Account) conveyancing panel requirements are different to RBS (One Account)’s conveyancing panel requirements.
My brother and I have had an offer accepted on a house I spoke to a solicitor previously used by my brother and he suggested instructing a property lawyers approved by RBS (One Account). The estate agent recommended two local firms so I asked RBS (One Account) if the 2 suggested solicitors are approved, which they are not. RBS (One Account) pointed out that either firm can fill out the appropriate forms to become approved. Do I (1) save myself the aggravation and use one of RBS (One Account) 's conveyancing panel solicitors (2) Use the local solicitor and accept there may be delays etc as they go through the approval process.
Enquire of RBS (One Account) to suggest a law firm in your location. Most banks have lawyers on their panel throughout the UK. You can also use our search tool at the top of this page to search for a lawyer on the RBS (One Account) conveyancing panel based on location. If you particularly like the sound of one of the local lawyers that you have spoken to ask them if they would go onto RBS (One Account) conveyancing panel as it may only take about 2-3 weeks. As long as they meet RBS (One Account)’s requirements it can be a very simple job for the solicitor. Other stuff will be going on in parallel (as you are at an early stage) so it may not delay matters.
Other Topics
Transfer of Equity for RBS (One Account)Please note that Lexsure Ltd is in no way associated with nor affiliated with Lexsure Solicitors