It has come to my attention via my lender that my Derby the law firm I have appointed is not on the bank Conveyancing panel. What can I do to be sure that this is correct?

The first thing you need to do is to contact your Derby lawyer directly. It is reasonable to expect your lawyer to advise you of the situation. If they are not on the panel they may recommend you to a Derby conveyancing practice that is on the approved list of lawyers for your mortgage company.

When it comes to mortgage companies such as Lloyds, do Derby lawyers face a yearly amount to be on the conveyancing panel?

We are not aware of any bank fees to be on their list of approved firms, although some do charge an administration fee to deal with the processing of the conveyancing panel submission.

We have agreed to purchase a house in Derby. An unusual aspect is that the roof has a solar panel. Aldermore have issued a mortgage offer so presumably this is not a concern to them. Why is my solicitor raising questions about the panel?

As your lender is Aldermore your lawyer must comply with the formal requirements contained in Part 2 of UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook for Aldermore. The CML Handbook stipulates minimum specifications for solar panel roof-space leases, and conveyancing practitioners are required to report to Aldermore where a lease fails to comply with these provisions. The provisions relate to the installation of panels on properties in England and Wales and is not restricted to Derby.

I was told two weeks ago that my mortgage has been agreed to by Virgin Money. Is it usual for Virgin Money to only issue the offer once my solicitor in Derby is approved on their conveyancing panel? Virgin Money have asked my solicitor to see a copy of their PI Insurance.

Mortgage companies tend not to not issue an offer until they have details of a lawyer on their panel. It can take a few weeks for Virgin Money to deal with your lawyer's application to be on the Virgin Money conveyancing panel. There's no guarantee that your solicitor will be accepted.

Me and my brother have a terraced Edwardian house in Derby. Conveyancing solicitor acted for me and The Royal Bank of Scotland. I happened to do a free search for it on the Land Registry database and I saw two entries: one for freehold, the second leasehold under the matching address. I'd like to know for sure, how can I find out??

You need to review the Freehold register you have again and check the Charges Register for mention of a lease. The best way to be sure that you are also the registered owner of the leasehold and freehold title as well is to check (£3). It is not completely unheard of in Derby and other locations in the country and poses no real issues for owners other than when they mortgage they have to account for both freehold and leasehold interests when dealing with buyers. You can also question the situation with the conveyancing lawyer who carried out the work.

I am downsizing from my home. My past solicitors closed down. It would be helpful to have a recommendation of a conveyancing firm. I happen to live in Derby if that makes a difference.

Please use our search tool to help you choose a solicitor for your conveyancing in Derby. We have connected thousands of home buyers and sellers with lender approved solicitors to ensure that the legalities of their house move runs with a minimum of fuss.

We have instructed a Derby conveyancing solicitor for our home move (FTB’s) and have picked up in the terms and conditions that they are not overseen by the Financial Conduct Authority. Should I be worried or is that standard with lawyer?

We can't see why they should be. Most property lawyer don't lend money. They should be governed by the SRA, who set specific conditions regulating amounts held on client account.