Find a Law Firm
approved by Whistletree
Ready to buy a new home? Failing to check that a lawyer is on the Whistletree list of approved solicitors can put your transaction at risk of delay or failure.
Find an Approved Solicitor on the Whistletree (a trading name of TSB Bank plc) Conveyancing Panel
Frequently asked questions relating to the Whistletree Conveyancing Panel
I have been advised by my broker that I have to pay Whistletree fees if I use my own solicitor. How efficient are the Whistletree conveyancing panel solicitors? I'm happy to use any solicitor in the country TBH provided that they are good and reasonably priced. Would you recommend a specific law firm on the Whistletree panel?
Whistletree’s conveyancing panel is substantial so it would be advisable to check with the firms you are getting quotes from whether they are on it. You can search by postcode on the search tool on this site to find solicitors that Whistletree will allow to act for them.
We are getting closer to an exchange and my parents having transferred the 10% deposit to my lawyer. I am now advised that as the deposit has not come from me my lawyer needs to disclose this to my lender Whistletree. Apparently, being on the Whistletree conveyancing panel and acting on their behalf he must inform Whistletree if the balance of the mortgage advance is not just from me. I informed the bank about my parent’s contribution when I applied for the mortgage so is it really necessary for this now to be an issue?
Your lawyer is obliged to check with Whistletree to make sure that they are aware that the balance of the purchase price is not from your own funds. Your solicitor can only report this to Whistletree if you agree, failing which, your lawyer must cease to continue acting.
How up to date is your database of lawyers on the Whistletree conveyancing panel? Do Whistletree send you an updated list?
The law firm practices themselves provide us confirmation that they are on the Whistletree conveyancing panel as opposed to being supplied with a list from Whistletree directly.
I was due to complete on my dream home yesterday. My lawyer’s firm is on the Whistletree solicitors panel but has moved offices 8 weeks ago and had not informed Whistletree of their new address. Whistletree is now refusing to release my funds until such time as their systems are up to date with the correct details.
This is as unusual as it is unlucky. Most lender Terms of Conveyancing Panel Appointment specifically oblige the solicitor to inform the lender of an address change. Your solicitor needs to treat this with the utmost urgency. Do speak with or register your concern with the senior partner (assuming he or she is not your direct lawyer). Most lenders would be reasonable in this situation and expedite the resolution of this issue. It may be prudent to enlist the help of your local Whistletree branch or your mortgage broker to see if they can assist.
My existing mortgage is with Whistletree. My godfather retired last week and wants to pay off the mortgage left on the property. After Whistletree is paid, I want to transfer the property to my mother's name; How long does the process take? Do we need two separate solicitors on the Whistletree conveyancing panel? I do not intend to live at the property once the Whistletree mortgage is discharged.
Although you do need to retain the services of a lawyer they dont
need to be on the Whistletree panel.
You will need a solicitor to draw up the transfer and
to deal with the Land Registry formalities. The only thing you need to
consider is that by selling at an undervalue so ask your lawyer about
the implications. There could be an inheritance tax issue if you die
within 7 years of this. As the property is your main residence you need
not pay CGT but you should speak with your accountants in any event.
My offer was accepted on a house on the 7th March 2014, valuation was booked 3 days later, all came back fine. Property lawyer appointed, so the only thing outstanding was my mortgage offer. Having made daily calls to Whistletree and chasing them on my offer I have now been told that my offer will not be issued unless the lawyer is on the Whistletree conveyancing panel. Can the lender hold off the offer?
A lender would not issue a mortgage until they have details of a lawyer on their panel. It can take a few weeks for Whistletree to deal with your lawyers application to be on the Whistletree conveyancing panel. There's no guarantee that your solicitors will be accepted.
Whistletree have agreed my mortgage in principle, my offer on house has been accepted, now what?
The estate agent will want to know who your solicitors are (make sure these solicitors are on the lenders panel). Call up Whistletree or your broker and complete any relevant paperwork. Whistletree will tell you what documents they want. Whistletree will instruct a valuer. The valuer will get in touch with the estate agent or seller to book an appointment. Once conducted (assuming no problems) it takes about week to get a mortgage offer. Whistletree will issue the offer to you and your lawyer. The transaction will then take it’s course according the nature and complexity of the conveyancing.