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approved by Santander
Ready to buy a new home? Failing to check that a lawyer is on the Santander 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 Santander Conveyancing Panel? How can my firm be reinstated onto the Santander Conveyancing Panel?Find an Approved Solicitor on the Santander Conveyancing Panel
Common questions asked concerning the Santander Conveyancing Panel
Am I correct in assuming that the fact that my solicitor is not on the Santander Solicitor panel that there is a problem with the quality of her work?
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 top 3 reasons are as follows: (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 Santander.
Our conveyancer has uncovered a legal deficiency with the lease for the property we are buying. The seller’s lawyers have offered defective title insurance as a workaround. We are content with insurance and will pay for it. Our lawyer has advised that as he is on the Santander conveyancing panel he must be satisfied that the lender is happy with this solution. Who is the client here, us or Santander?
Just because you have a mortgage offer from Santander 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 Santander are the client. The appropriate lender requirements have to be complied with by the Santander conveyancing panel who has to balance acting for you and Santander
I note that you have a post code search directory identifying firms on the Santander conveyancing panel. Do firms pay you a commission if I appoint them for my house purchase?
We are a listing service only for law firms wishing to communicate if they are on the Santander conveyancing panel or other lender panels. We do not charge referral fees to the any conveyancer that you subsequently appoint.
I would like to get my ex-wife taken off the mortgage deeds. Can Santander really tell me which solicitor I can or can not retain?
You can use any solicitor you like but Santander 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 Santander solicitors panel
Two weeks ago we had a mortgage agreed in principle with Santander. Solicitors have been instructed? How long does it take for Santander to send the offer to our conveyancer
Some lenders take longer than others. Have Santander conducted the survey? Have you advised Santander as your lawyers details and checked that your lawyer is on the Santander conveyancing panel? It is not unusual for a mortgage offer to take a month to come through
What are the common reasons for a lender such as Santander to withdraw a mortgage offer?
Banks and Building Societies such as Santander can withdraw their mortgage offer although this is unusual. should Santander 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 number of examples:
- Santander may amend or withdraw an offer if the Santander 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
- If the financial circumstances of the borrower have changed to the detriment and the Santander has been notified
- Amendments if purchase price adjusted and the loan to value limits exceeded by this. Please note that Santander conveyancing panel solicitors would be obliged to notify Santander of a change in the price of the property.
- 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
- If the solicitor on the Santander conveyancing panel acting for the applicant, borrower, mortgagor or guarantor cannot comply with Santander ‘s instructions
I am currently in the process of buying my council flat. I have a mortgage agreed with Santander. Conveyancing is new to me. Can I proceed without a solicitor easily? I think we can but we keep being told I should use 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 Santander you will need to appoint a solicitor on the Santander conveyancing panel.
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Transfer of Equity for SantanderPlease note that Lexsure Ltd is in no way associated with nor affiliated with Lexsure Solicitors