Lending Criteria

At Chorley Building Society, we’re proud to have a common sense approach to lending – offering an individual manual underwrite with direct access to an underwriter. Which means that throughout the process, we’re able to offer flexibility to support you and your clients.

If you want to discuss your client’s specific requirements, please give us a call on 01257 235001 (Option 2).

Alternatively, you can use the drop down boxes below to look at our specific criteria.

We lend in England including the Isle of Wight, Wales including the Isle of Anglesey, the Scottish mainland and the Isles of Argyll and Bute.

The Society may consider up to four applicants per application.

Applicants who are EU Nationals (EU, EEA and Swiss Citizens) who were living in the UK as at 31st December 2020 and have been granted Settled or Pre-Settled status by 30th June 2021 (provided no diplomatic immunity is in place) may be considered.

Applicants with permanent right to reside in the UK who have lived in the UK for the last 3 years may be considered, provided no diplomatic immunity is in place.

The minimum mortgage term is 1 year.
The maximum mortgage term is 40 years.

Minimum Age

Criteria Description
Standard Residential Lending 18
Self and Custom Build Lending 21
Buy to Let Lending (including CBTL) 21
Holiday Let Lending 21
95% LTV (subject to product availability)* 21

*The Society does not currently have any 95% LTV products

Maximum Age at end of term

Criteria Description
Maximum Age – Applicant(s) Interest Only or Part & Part Mortgages – up to a maximum age of 85

Repayment Mortgages – up to a maximum age of 90

Maximum Assumed Retirement Age 70 unless the customer states lower, or can demonstrate suitable evidence of a later retirement age.

Retirement

Criteria Description
Lending into Retirement Maximum 75% LTV
Lending whilst Retired Maximum 70% LTV
LTV Loan Brackets
>60 – 70% LTV £950,001 to £1,200,000

Loans above £1m subject to Board approval

>70 – 80% LTV £600,001 to £950,000
>80 – 85% LTV £450,001 to £600,000
>85 – 90% LTV £400,001 to £450,000
>90 – 95% LTV (subject to product availability) Up to £400,000

JBSP allows two or more borrowers to combine their borrowing capacity to maximise mortgage borrowing but with only the main applicant(s) listed on the mortgage deed.

This enables a close relative such as a parent or family member to help a son, daughter or relative onto the property ladder: the main applicant(s) benefit from using close relative’s additional income to secure a larger mortgage, while retaining sole ownership of the property.

The Society will consider JBSP applications for House Purchase and Remortgage on Standard Residential and Buy to let Mortgages

  • All applicants are subject to standard lending criteria
  • Loan to Value is determined by loan amount and mortgage product
  • All applicants must have a close relationship
  • We do not permit applications on a JBSP basis where a Joint Borrower will reside in the property but is not going on the mortgage deed.
  • Repayment by Capital & Interest and by exception Interest Only subject to this meeting standard lending criteria
  • The following cannot be used as a repayment vehicle for Interest Only or Part Interest Only:
    • An asset of the Joint Borrower if it is in joint names with someone not named on the mortgage
    • Sale of the main residence of the Joint Borrower
    • Pension fund of Joint Borrower
  • The Joint Borrower(s) must take independent legal advice and evidenced by the independent legal adviser using the Society’s Independent Legal Advice Certificate

The Society cannot accept any application where the applicants are classed as credit impaired.

Impaired Credit Definition:

A customer who:

  • within the last two years has had arrears equivalent to three months’ payments, on a mortgage or other loan , except where the arrears reached that level because of late payment caused by errors by a bank or other third party; or
  • has been the subject of one or more county court judgments, with a total value greater than £500, within the last three years; or
  • has been subject to an individual voluntary arrangement or bankruptcy order which was in force at any time within the last three years.

In the case of loans involving two or more borrowers, the impaired credit test is whether any one of the borrowers individually meets any of the impaired credit conditions.

 


The Society will consider applicants who are not credit impaired as follows:

We can accept cases on a Standard Lending basis where the applicant can meet the following:

CCJs

  • All CCJs have been registered and settled more than 3 years ago (irrespective of value) or;
  • No more than 1 CCJ within the last 3 years up to a value of £500 that is not connected with a mortgage, loan or revolving credit e.g. parking fine

Defaults

  • Subject to Defaults settled more than 2 years ago or;
  • No more than 2 Defaults within the last 2 years for less than £500 in total that are not connected with a mortgage, loan or revolving credit e.g. Utility bills or Mobile Phone airtime

Debt Management Plan

  • Have a DMP that has been settled more than 2 years ago

 


We can accept cases on our range of Credit Renew Mortgages where a life event they have recovered from has impacted their credit profile meaning they do not meet our standard lending criteria. The maximum LTV for the Credit Renew Products is 80% and applicants must meet the following:

CCJs

  • Total of all CCJs must not exceed £500
  • Subject to more than 1 CCJ issued within the last 3 years not connected with a mortgage, loan revolving credit.
  • Subject to 1 or more CCJ issued within the last 3 years connected with a mortgage, loan or revolving credit
  • If any CCJ is connected with unsecured/secured lending the cumulative amount of arrears overdue must not have reached the equivalent of 3 or more monthly payments within the last 2 years.

CCJ is unsettled, or only settled within last 2 years. If unsettled must settle before completion.

Defaults

  • All defaults must have been registered more than 6 months ago
  • Subject to more than 2 defaults within the last 2 years, not connected with a mortgage, loan or revolving credit regardless of total amount
  • Subject to defaults within the last 2 years connected with a mortgage, loan or revolving credit
  • If any Default is connected with secured/unsecured lending the cumulative amount of arrears must not have reached the equivalent of 3 or more monthly payments within the last 2 years
  • Default does not need to be settled. If unsettled must settle before completion.

Debt Management Plan

  • Subject to a DMP within the last 2 years (regardless of settlement) that started at least 12 months ago and which must not include any secured or unsecured loans.

Debt Consolidation may be considered up to a maximum of 80% LTV.

Capital Raising may be considered up to a maximum of 80% LTV. The Society will not allow capital raising for the following reasons:

  • Payment of gambling related debts.
  • Debt Consolidation or Capital Raising above 80% LTV.
  • Buy to Let additional borrowing above 80% LTV.
  • Purchase of Stocks and Shares or currency speculation.
  • Capital injection in to a business or consolidation of a business loan unless the business accounts have been assessed to ensure this is not a “distress” application.

 

No of incomes used Loan to Income Ratio
For 1 or 2 Incomes Up to 4.49 x Total Income
For 3 or 4 Incomes Up to 3.25 x Total Income
Employed We will require the last 3 months payslips to evidence current income.
Salary 100% x annual gross salary
Allowances – for example:

  • Car
  • Housing
  • Additional Duties
  • Shift
  • Location
100% if consistent;
50% (if regular) but amounts vary
Bonus 100% if consistent over last 2 years (average of last 2 years)

50% if regular but amounts vary (average of last 2 years)

Overtime 100% if consistent (average of last 3 months)

50% (average of last 3 months)

Commission only/ majority commission applicants 100% x average commission earned over the last 2 years if consistent

50% (average of commission earned over last two years)

Renewable fixed term contracts Accepted only where the applicant can display a continuous history of employment for at least 2 years (can be with different employers)
Non-renewable fixed term contracts/ temporary contracts/agency contracts Accepted only where the applicant can display a continuous history of employment for at least 2 years (can be with different employers)
Probationary Periods Can be considered subject to a detailed rationale outlining risks and mitigations.
Maintenance Accepted subject to a minimum of 6 month payment track record and dependent on:

  • The age of the dependant(s) and the period the payments will continue
  • How dependent the applicant(s) are on the maintenance to supplement other earned income
Bursary or Stipend Can be considered if there is either:

  • Another main income (i.e. the bursary or stipend is a second income) or;
  • Another applicant with an acceptable main income or;
  • There is a joint borrower (JBSP) or Guarantor

We can accept 100% of the bursary or stipend but would exclude payments for assistance with costs such as fees will be excluded.

Apprenticeship Can be considered subject to either:

  • There being another main income (i.e. it is a second income) or;
  • There is another applicant(s) with an acceptable main income or;
  • There is a joint borrower (JBSP) or Guarantor

We can accept 100% of the income subject to a continuous history of employment for at least 2 years.

Savings and Investments Can be considered subject to suitable documentary evidence of the savings or investments to be used.

Where any elements of a borrower’s income are reducing, including overtime, commission and bonuses the lower amounts will be used in the affordability assessment.

We require a minimum of two years trading supported by SA302’s and corresponding tax overviews, plus finalised accounts.

Projections of self-employed income can be accepted.

Status Income Assessed Required Documentation
Sole Traders & Partnerships Share of net profit taken over the last 2 years. Latest 2 years’ accounts and HMRC SA302s (or equivalent) and corresponding tax overviews
Limited Companies Average salary plus dividends taken over the last 2 years. Latest 2 years’ accounts and HMRC SA302s (or equivalent) and corresponding tax overviews
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) with 20% of more share Average salary plus dividends taken over the last 2 years. Latest 2 years’ accounts and HMRC SA302s (or equivalent) and corresponding tax overviews

*Accountants projections are not currently acceptable

 

If an applicant declares they are taking or will be taking maternity, paternity or adoption leave, the application can be considered subject to appropriate underwriter rationale.

  • Income is taken from before the leave – this can be from last 3 payslips and P60 (if available);
  • Applicant confirms in writing they will return to their job post the period of leave;
  • Reference is gained from employer to confirm they are still employed but on leave;
  • Underwriter has evidence / rationale to confirm the applicants can afford the monthly mortgage payment over the period of leave (this may be funded from savings, or family gift etc.) evidence of this would be required from bank statements and/or savings statements.

 

Gifted deposits may be acceptable where the individual(s) making the gift have a close relationship with the applicant/s and where:

  • the gift is non-returnable
  • the individual(s) making the gift will have no interest in the mortgaged property

 

Guarantors are acceptable subject to the criteria below but are NOT accepted under the Help to Buy schemes.

The Society may be asked to consider a guarantor in cases where the applicant’s(s’) income is insufficient to pass the affordability test.

  • Maximum 1 Guarantor
  • No upper age limit, reviewed on a case by case basis
  • They will have no interest or share in the property.
  • Where the Guarantor is also making a capital contribution to the purchase price or to the monthly mortgage payment it must be confirmed in writing by the guarantor that this is a gift and that the guarantor will have no interest or share in the property.
  • The guarantor should:
  • Be a close relative of the applicant(s) (otherwise Credit Risk Committee approval will be required).
  • Have a clean credit record – with no history of bankruptcy, IVA’s, CCJ’s, defaults or missing payments.
  • Have income from employment, self-employment, pension, or investments
  • Have sufficient disposable income to comfortably maintain mortgage payments to the Society (if called upon) whilst maintaining all current obligations.
  • Be willing to accept responsibility for the whole mortgage debt (and accrued costs) if the borrower defaults.
  • Satisfy the same lending criteria that the Society would apply to a mortgage applicant.

 

Interest only is limited to:
  • Maximum 80% LTV (50% if downsizing is the Repayment Strategy);
  • Minimum borrower equity of £175,000 if downsizing is the Repayment Strategy
  • Maximum loan of £500,000
A combination of Part Interest Only & Part Capital and Interest is limited to:
  • Maximum 85% LTV; where the interest only repayment strategy is NOT downsizing)
  • Minimum borrower equity of £175,000 if downsizing is the Repayment Strategy
  • Maximum loan of £500,000 on the interest-only element Suitable documentary evidence of a credible repayment strategy must be provided at application stage.
  • Where downsizing is the main Repayment Strategy the overall LTV is capped at 60%. (with a maximum of 50% LTV on the Interest-only element)
Repayment Strategies
  • The Society accepts a range of repayment strategies for residential ‘interest only’ and ‘part & part’ mortgages. Examples of acceptable repayment strategies are as follows:
  • Endowment Policy.
  • Savings / Investment Plan (Including Premium Bonds). The mortgage will require a minimum term of 10 years
  • Premium Bonds – can only be used to a maximum of £50,000 per named customer.
  • Pension Plan:
  • Defined Contribution Schemes – 25% of the total fund value can be used.
  • Defined Benefit Schemes – full projected tax free cash sum can be used.
  • Sale of second property -located in the UK only.
  • Sale of a commercial property (inc. Buy to Let).
  • Downsizing (Sale of current property). The minimum level of equity at the time of application, must be a minimum £175,000 and the maximum loan to value is 50%. Each case will be assessed for suitability, according to the customer’s individual circumstances.
  • Other repayment strategies may be acceptable subject to Credit Risk Committee approval
The Society will not accept the following as Repayment Strategies:
  • Anticipated inheritance.
  • Repayment strategies held in a foreign currency e.g. funds held in a bank account/ investment/ pension plan in currency other than sterling or an asset held or valued in a foreign currency e.g. property or business abroad.
  • Moving to rented accommodation at the end of the mortgage term.
  • Moving in with family/friends at the end of the mortgage term.
  • To convert to Capital & Interest at a later date.
  • Bonus income.

The Society will consider applications for House Purchase under the Help to Buy: Equity Loan Scheme Wales 1st April 2023 to 31st March 2025 subject to the following:

  • Applicants must be First Time Buyers
  • Maximum Purchase Price £300,000
  • Society to fund a maximum of 75% of the purchase price
  • Equity Loan of 20% minimum of the purchase price to be provided by the Help to Buy Agent or equivalent body in Wales
  • Minimum deposit of 5% required
  • Subject to the Society’s standard affordability criteria including equity loan payment
  • Maximum term 35 years (Equity Loan must be repaid by 25 years)
  • Repayment method must be Capital & Interest
  • Guarantors not acceptable

The Society will consider applications for Remortgage under the “Help-to-Buy Equity Loan” scheme subject to the following criteria:

Remortgage with no increase to the First Charge Mortgage balance

  • subject to a maximum Loan to Value limit in England and Wales of 75% of the property value; or
  • For properties within the London Area only, (where the Equity Mortgage can exceed 20% of the property value), the limits set out in the below table:
Homes England Equity Mortgage (“Lender Contribution”) as a percentage of property value. * Maximum First Charge Mortgage to Value of proposed re-mortgage
30% 65%
40% 55%
  • 80% of the property value in Scotland
  • Maximum term for a Remortgage where the Equity Loan exists is the unexpired term of the Equity Loan or less.
  • Repayment method must be Capital & Interest

Remortgage with capital raising to partially staircase

  • Subject to minimum staircase amount of 10% of the Market Value (with a minimum balance remaining on the Equity Loan of 5% of the Market Value). The capital raising amount must be used to repay the equity loan.

Remortgage with additional borrowing

Only permitted to:

  • Fund a partial staircasing payment
  • Fund Homes England approved improvements to the property
  • Fund a Transfer of Equity
  • In the case of Staircasing, the maximum First Charge Mortgage LTV shall be determined by reference to the Homes England Lender Contribution following the proposed remortgage and staircasing.
  • Maximum term for a Remortgage where the Equity Loan exists is the unexpired term of the Equity Loan or less.
  • Repayment method must be Capital & Interest.

Generally, the Society will grant an advance of up to 100% of the discounted purchase price providing the advance does not exceed 75% of the market valuation.

If, at the time of purchase, an applicant wishes to borrow additional funds to carry out home improvements taking the advance beyond 100% of the discounted purchase price, this may be acceptable subject to an appropriate retention being made, the Valuer confirming the value of the property after the works have been undertaken and the relevant local authority approval being given.

The product/illustration should be based on the true open market value not the purchase price.

The Society will consider concessional purchase/gifted equity transactions between close family members subject to the following criteria:

  • The property is to be used as the main residence by the applicant(s).
  • The individual providing the concession will have no interest in, and will not reside at the property following completion.
  • Maximum 100% of purchase price and subject to a maximum 90% LTV of open market valuation. The product / illustration should be based on the true value LTV not the purchase price.

 

The Society will consider concessional purchase/gifted equity transactions between landlord and tenant subject to the following criteria:

  • The property is to be used as the main residence by the applicant(s).
  • The individual providing the concession will have no interest in, and will not reside at the property.
  • Maximum 100% of purchase price and subject to a maximum 90% LTV of open market valuation.
  • Applicant must have resided at the address for a minimum of 12 months prior to application.
  • The product / illustration should be based on the true value LTV not the purchase price. The product/illustration should be based on the true open market value not the purchase price.

The Society’s definition of Buy to Let is:

  • The applicant(s) have purchased/are purchasing the property intending to let it out as a business / investment proposition.
  • If re-mortgaging the property, they are doing this for business / investment purposes

The Society’s definition of Consumer Buy to Let is:

  • The applicant(s) are re-mortgaging a property that they (or a close relative) have previously resided in, or that they have acquired by means other than purchase e.g. an inheritance
  • They did not purchase the property with a view to letting but are doing so because of a circumstance they have found themselves in and therefore an ‘accidental landlord’.
  • They are letting the property to a family member
  • They are not letting the property as part of their trade, business or profession

The Society may consider BTL and CBTL applications subject to the following:

  • Maximum LTV 80%.
  • Minimum Value £120k.
  • Minimum advance £80k.
  • Maximum loan £1.2m.
  • Minimum term 1 year.
  • Maximum term 40 years.
  • Maximum total loans £2.3m (to any individual or connected counterparties).
  • Maximum number of mortgaged BTL properties within their portfolio is 3.
  • Minimum income £20k sole or £25k joint at the time of application (to be verified as per standard criteria).
  • 25% exposure concentration on any one development (unless in a PR postcode area when a business case can be referred to Credit Risk Committee and Board for approval).
  • Maximum 6 Bedrooms.
  • Property must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) EPC rating of E or above
  • Assured Shorthold Tenancy only (1 AST per property).
  • Interest coverage ratios (ICRs):
  • If the applicant(s) are basic rate tax payers, rental yield must cover 125% of stress tested mortgage interest payment.
  • If one or more of the applicants are higher rate tax payers, rental yield must cover 148% of the stress tested mortgage interest payment.
  • Applicant(s) can afford the mortgage payment on interest only when stress tested at the higher of pay rate +2.00% or 5.5%.
  • Can be interest only – no need for £50k equity and may use sale of mortgage property as repayment vehicle.

The Society may consider Holiday Let applications in England & Wales (excluding London & the Outer South East) and excluding Scotland.

The Society may consider applications subject to the following:

  • Maximum LTV 80%.
  • Minimum Property Value £100k.
  • Minimum advance £80k.
  • Maximum loan £500k
  • Minimum term 1 year.
  • Maximum term 40 years.
  • Maximum number of mortgaged Holiday lets (inclusive of any Buy to Lets) within their portfolio is 3.
  • Minimum income £30k sole or £35k joint at the time of application (to be verified as per standard criteria).
  • Interest coverage ratios (ICRs):
    • If the applicant(s) are basic rate tax payers, rental yield must cover 140% of stress tested mortgage interest payment.
  • If one or more of the applicants are higher rate tax payers, rental yield must cover 160% of the stress tested mortgage interest payment.
  • Applicant(s) can afford the mortgage payment on interest only when stress tested at the higher of pay rate +2.00% or 5.5%.
  • The Society requires evidence by way of a letter from a local letting agent confirming the annual rental income covering all seasons, low, mid & high. This will then be averaged by an assumed occupancy level of 32 weeks (60%) divided by 12 to give a monthly figure against which to carry out the ICR stress test.
  • Can be interest only – no need for £50k equity and may use sale of mortgage property as repayment vehicle.
  • Maximum 6 Bedrooms.
  • Property must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) EPC rating of E or above
  • Rental Income and demand will be assessed by a RICS qualified surveyor as part of the mortgage valuation. An ARLA letter can be accepted evidencing a higher rental yield if applicable.

The Society may consider applications to purchase commuter homes, holiday/weekend homes and homes for dependents.

Subject to the following:

  • Maximum LTV 85%
  • Holiday/Weekend properties must not be let on a permanent basis or used for temporary holiday lets.
  • Buildings Insurance must be in place at all times and, in the case of a property that is being used as a holiday or commuter home includes cover when unoccupied
  • Homes for dependents must not have any formal arrangement to pay rent

The Society will consider applications for House Purchase under the Help to Buy: Shared Ownership scheme in England and Wales only (excluding London, Outer Metropolitan and Outer South East):

Loan to Share

  • Minimum Loan of £50,000
  • Minimum 25% of Property Value
  • Maximum 75% of Property Value

Loan to Value

  • Maximum of 90% of purchased share

Term

  • Maximum 40 years

Property

  • For properties being offered for sale by landlords participating in grant funded schemes in England or Wales Schemes and/or;
  • Properties where able to demonstrate that their lease meets those of the Standard Lease requirements and includes the Mortgagee Protection Clause.

Repayment method

  • Repayment method must be Capital & Interest

The Society will also consider Remortgages/Additional Borrowing subject to the following:

  • Loan to Value subject to a maximum of 90% of current or proposed share
  • Subject to Shared Ownership permitted staircasing

 

  • Available to customers who meet the Credit Renew criteria (subject to product availability)
  • Later Life lending permitted (subject to LTVs for this type of lending)
  • Not available on a Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor or Guarantors basis
  • Not available for shared ownership schemes that restrict the level of equity that can be purchased or where Section 106 agreements include additional restrictions on purchasers both on initial purchase and subsequent sales

New Build Properties

Type Maximum LTV Further Information
New Build Houses 95% (Subject to product availability) Minimum value £100,000

If leasehold, must have minimum of 85 years remaining at end of the contractual mortgage term

New Build Flats/Maisonettes 80% (Subject to product availability) Purpose built flats not accepted

Will consider Conversions and Maisonettes subject to:

  • Minimum Value £100,000
  • Maximum number of 6 floors (the ground floor counts as the 1st floor)
  • If the property is on or above the 4th floor, the property must be serviced by a lift
  • Must be leasehold and have a minimum of 85 years remaining at end of the contractual mortgage term

May be considered over commercial unit provided:

  • High quality and desirable development
  • Commercial units on ground floor only and subject flat not directly over the commercial unit

Type of commercial units unlikely to have an adverse impact on re-sale.

New Build Studios 80% (Subject to product availability) Purpose built flats not accepted

Will consider Conversions and Maisonettes subject to:

  • Minimum Value £100,000
  • Maximum number of 6 floors (the ground floor counts as the 1st floor)
  • If the property is on or above the 4th floor, the property must be serviced by a lift
  • Must be leasehold and have a minimum of 85 years remaining at end of the contractual mortgage term

May be considered over commercial unit provided:

  • High quality and desirable development
  • Commercial units on ground floor only and subject flat not directly over the commercial unit
  • Type of commercial units unlikely to have an adverse impact on re-sale.

Minimum 30m2 internal floor space.

Must have separate food preparation, washing and toilet facilities

Acceptable new build warranty providers are NHBC, Self-Build Zone, Premier Guarantee, LABC, Titan, Protek, Global Home Warranties Ltd and International Construction Warranties Limited.

Non New Build Properties

Type Maximum LTV Further Information
Non-New Build Houses 95% (subject to product availability) Minimum value £100,000.

If leasehold, must have a minimum of 85 years remaining at end of the contractual mortgage term

Non-New Build Flats/Maisonettes 80% (subject to product availability) Purpose built flats not accepted

Will consider Conversions and Maisonettes subject to:

  • Minimum Value £100,000
  • Maximum number of 6 floors (the ground floor counts as the 1st floor)
  • If the property is on or above the 4th floor, the property must be serviced by a lift
  • Must be leasehold and have a minimum of 85 years remaining at end of the contractual mortgage term

May be considered over commercial unit provided:

  • High quality and desirable development
  • Commercial units on ground floor only and subject flat not directly over the commercial unit

Type of commercial units unlikely to have an adverse impact on re-sale.

Non-New Build Studios 80% (subject to product availability) Purpose built flats not accepted

Will consider Conversions and Maisonettes subject to:

  • Minimum Value £100,000
  • Maximum number of 6 floors (the ground floor counts as the 1st floor)
  • If the property is on or above the 4th floor, the property must be serviced by a lift
  • Must be leasehold and have a minimum of 85 years remaining at end of the contractual mortgage term

May be considered over commercial unit provided:

  • High quality and desirable development
  • Commercial units on ground floor only and subject flat not directly over the commercial unit
  • Type of commercial units unlikely to have an adverse impact on re-sale.

Minimum 30m2 internal floor space.

Must have separate food preparation, washing and toilet facilities

The Society offers self-build and custom build loans exclusively through Buildstore/Buildloan.

Flying Freehold of up to 20% may be considered.

  • Incentives may be acceptable up to the value of 5% of the purchase price.
  • Incentives are defined as stamp duty, white goods, carpets, and curtains etc. and must not include a discount to the purchase price.
  • No part of the incentive can be used as deposit.

The Society operates a managed panel of Solicitor’s/Licensed Conveyancer’s via Legal Marketing Services Ltd (LMS).

Applicants have the following options when choosing a Solicitor/Licensed Conveyancer:

  • Instruct an approved Solicitor/Licenced Conveyancer from the Society’s panel or;
  • A ‘non-panel’ Solicitor may be used providing a ‘panel’ Solicitor is also instructed to act on the Society’s behalf.
  • Panel Solicitors/Licenced Conveyancers must meet the following criteria:
    o Have 4 or more partners;
    o Be registered with the Law Society (www.lawsociety.co.uk) or Council of Licensed Conveyancers (www.conveyancer.org.uk);
    o Have minimum professional indemnity insurance cover of £2m.
    o Professional Indemnity Claims – a maximum of 1.5% of all residential conveyancing claims from the last 12 months purchase completions.
    o No Disciplinary Sanctions for partner or residential conveyancing related, fraud or client account related.
    o DPA Breaches below 1% of the last 12 months completions.