I am nearing exchange of contracts for my ground floor flat in Lynmouth and the estate agent has just called to warn that the buyers are switching law firm. The reason given is that the mortgage company will only engage with solicitors on their approved list. On what basis would a major mortgage company only work with specific lawyers rather the firm that they want to select to handle their conveyancing in Lynmouth ?

Mortgage companies have always had panels of law firms that can represent them, but in the past few years big names such as Santander, have reviewed and reduced their conveyancing panel– in some cases removing conveyancing firms who have represented them for decades.

Lenders attribute this action to a rise in fraud as the reason for the cull – criteria have been stiffened as a smaller panel is 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 claims that it is being contacted daily by practices that have been removed from panels. Plenty of firms do not even realise they have been dropped until contacted by a borrower who has instructed them as might be the situation in your buyers' case. The buyers are unlikely to have any sway in the decision.

I have 70 years left on my lease and require a lease extension for my flat in Lynmouth. Conveyancing solicitors on the Accord Mortgages panel can deal with such extensions correct?

Most leasehold conveyancing experts should be able to deal with a lease extension. if you are getting a mortgage then your lender may insist that the lease be extended before competition. Accord Mortgages have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook in relation to minimum unexpired lease terms. As of 30/1/2026 the requirements read as follows :

I've recently found out that there is a flying freehold issue on a house I have offered on last month in what should have been a quick, no chain conveyancing. Lynmouth is where the house is located. Is there any advice you can give?

Flying freeholds in Lynmouth are not the norm but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even where you use a solicitor outside Lynmouth you must be sure that your lawyer goes through the deeds diligently. Your mortgage company may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Lynmouth may determine that this is not enough and that the deeds be re-written to give you the most up to date legal protection. If so, the next door neighbour also had to sign up to the revised deeds.It is possible that your lender will not accept the situation so the sooner you find out the better. You should also check with your insurance broker as to whether they will insure a flying freehold residence.

How do I use the search facility to locate a conveyancing solicitor in Lynmouth on the approved list for my bank?

First select a bank such as Yorkshire Building Society, Barnsley Building Society or Aldermore then specify your location a common one being Lynmouth. Conveyancing firms in Lynmouth and across England and Wales will then be identified.

How much experience do your Lynmouth conveyancing solicitors have with Help To Buy, Shared Equity and similar schemes?

Lynmouth conveyancing lawyers help thousands of people move home every year and supported lots of clients through the Help To Buy scheme. The chances are that whatever makes your case unique Lynmouth conveyancers have worked on recent similar matters.