I am one month into the sale of my maisonette in Hackney and the estate agent has just e-mailed to say that the buyers are switching conveyancer. I am told that this is due to the fact that the mortgage company will only work with solicitors on their approved list. On what basis would a major lender only work with specific law firms rather the firm that they want to select to handle their conveyancing in Hackney ?

Mortgage companies have always had an approved set of law firms that can act for them, but in the last few years big names such as Lloyds Banking Group, have considered and reduced their conveyancing panel– in some cases removing conveyancing firms who have worked with them for many years.

Mortgage companies point to the increase in fraud by way of justification for the reduction – criteria have been narrowed as a smaller panel is easier to monitor. Banks tend not to reveal how many solicitors have been dropped, claiming the information is commercially sensitive, but the Law Society claims that it is being contacted daily by practices that have been removed from panels. Some are unaware that they have been dropped until contacted by a borrower who has instructed them as might be the situation in your buyers' case. Your buyers are unlikely to have any sway in the decision.

I am told that my conveyancing solicitors will need to check that the building insurance for my purchase of a house in Hackney. My lender is Chelsea Building Society

Chelsea Building Society have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook. As of 2/10/2025, the requirements read as follows :

I used Stirling Law a few years ago for my conveyancing in Hackney. Now, I need the files but cannot find the solicitor. What do I do?

You should call the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) to assist in tracking down your conveyancing files. They can be contacted on please contact on 0870 606 2555. Alternatively, you should use their online form to make an enquiry. You will need to provide the SRA with as much information as possible to assist their search, including the name and address in Hackney of the conveyancing firm of solicitors you previously retained, the name of conveyancing solicitor with whom you had dealings, and the date on which you last had dealings with the firm.

How does conveyancing in Hackney differ for newly converted properties?

Most buyers of new build property in Hackney come to us having been asked by the builder to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the residence is completed. This is because developers in Hackney typically acquire the real estate, plan the estate and want to get the plots sold off as they are building the properties. Buyers, therefore, will have to exchange contracts without actually seeing the house they are buying. To reduce the chances of losing the property, buyers should instruct property lawyers as soon as the property is reserved and mortgage applications should be submitted quickly. Due to the fact that it could be several months and even years between exchange of contracts and completion, the mortgage offer may need to be extended. It would be wise to use a lawyer who specialises in new build conveyancing especially if they are accustomed to new build conveyancing in Hackney or who has acted in the same development.

I decided to have a survey done on a house in Hackney in advance of appointing solicitors. I have been advised that there is a flying freehold element to the house. My surveyor advised that some lenders tend refuse to issue a loan on such a property.

It varies from the lender to lender. Santander has different instructions from Birmingham Midshires. Should you wish to call us we can check with the relevant bank. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can assist as they are used to dealing with flying freeholds in Hackney. Conveyancing may be slightly more expensive based on your lender's requirements.