RBS- First Active Conveyancing Lender Panel Compliance Tool

Lexsure’s COMPLETIONmonitor is web-based pre- and post-completion checklist for property lawyers. Supported by the Council of Mortgage Lenders and PI insurers such as AmTrust. It is a unique risk mitigation tool.

This software facilitates the way you can demonstrate to lender panels that you are, and can remain fully compliant with their instructions, with notifications given on RBS- First Active’s changes. While utilising COMPLETIONmonitor is not a prerequisite for RBS- First Active , demonstrating you can stay up to date with RBS- First Active’s Handbook requirements is a helpful support to your application to their lender panel and, more importantly, protect your panel standing.

The system generates real-time alerts, automatically produces COLP and CQS reports, and will increase your firm's efficiency. It is also user friendly, cost-effective and, for some firms, results in a PII saving.

Find a Law Firm approved by RBS- First Active

Banks and building societies frequently vary their requirements. The UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook requirements from RBS- First Active are not guidelines, they are instructions from a client. As with many clients, instructions can change - and they do change, over time:

A Timeline of Policy Changes


Since 2008, RBS- First Active has made 177 revisions or additions to sections of their version of the CML Handbook.
That equates to a section change every 15.4 days. In total, 49% of the sections of P2 of the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook for RBS- First Active have been changed since 15/12/2008.

To find out more about lender panel compliance,

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Recent Changes Include

# Date Assoc. Changes Related To
5.7.1a 02/12/2016 CML
Flying Freeholds
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc First Active panel lawyers clarification as to whether they lend on flying freeholds
Flying Freehold Indemnity Insurance
6.7.1 23/08/2016 CML
New Build Conveyancing
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc First Active approved conveyancer requirements for New Build Conveyancing : Home Warranty Schemes
16.3.1 31/05/2016 CML
Transfer of Equity
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc First Active clarification as to whether they have a standard form of Transfer of Equity/Deed of Covenant?
6.7.1 25/09/2015 CML
New Build Conveyancing
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc First Active panel conveyancer requirements for New Build Conveyancing : Home Warranty Schemes
6.7.1 25/08/2015 CML
New Build Conveyancing
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc First Active approved conveyancer requirements for New Build Conveyancing : Home Warranty Schemes
6.14.1 04/12/2014 CML
Building Insurance
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc First Active panel lawyers additional requirements concerning building insurance
6.14.1a 01/12/2014 CML
contact point if property is not insured in accordance with lender requirement
6.14.2 01/12/2014 CML
requirement that all insurance risks are included
3.1.5 01/12/2014 CML
ID Documentation
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc First Active panel lawyers requirements re ID Documentation: Further acceptable documents (if any)
6.7.1 16/09/2014 CML
New Build Conveyancing
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc First Active panel conveyancer requirements for New Build Conveyancing : Home Warranty Schemes

Last update 21/09/2019

Frequently asked questions relating to the RBS- First Active Solicitor Panel from members of the public

My fiance and I are hoping to buy a 1 bedroom flat in Newcastle with a mortgage from RBS- First Active. We have a lawyer but RBS- First Active says she’s not on their "panel". We have to appoint one of the RBS- First Active panel firms or keep our solicitor and pay for one of their panel ones to represent them. This seems very unfair; Can we not simply insist that RBS- First Active use our lawyer?
No, not really. The mortgage offered to you is subject to its terms and conditions, one of which will be that lawyers will on the RBS- First Active conveyancing panel. Until recently, most lenders had large numbers of law firms on their panels: a borrower could choose one for themselves, as long as it was on the lender's panel. The lender would then simply instruct the borrower's lawyers to act for the lender, too. You can use your lender's panel lawyers or you could borrow from another lender which does not restrict your choice. Another option that might be available is for your solicitors to apply to be on the conveyancing panel for RBS- First Active
My solicitor has uncovered a difference between the surveyor’s assumptions in RBS- First Active’s home valuation report and what is in the legal papers for the property. My lawyer informs me that as he is on the RBS- First Active conveyancing panel he is obliged to check that the lender is with this discrepancy and is content go ahead. Is my conveyancer’s course or action correct?
A precondition to being on the RBS- First Active approved panel is to comply with the CML Handbook requirements (last updated for this lender on RBS- First Active) which do require that your lawyer disclose any incorrect assumptions in the lender’s valuation report and the legal papers. Should you refuse to allow your lawyer to make the appropriate notification then your lawyer will have no choice but to discontinue acting for you.
I need to find a RBS- First Active panel solicitor in Inverness. Can you assist?
Unfortunately it’s not apparent why you need a RBS- First Active panel solicitor but in any event, if you can not find one on our search tool you will need to speak directly to RBS- First Active to find out which solicitors in RBS- First Active are on their panel. If you do find such a firm not listed please direct them to our site to list. After all the cost is only one £1 a month
I am purchasing a right to buy flat and getting a mortgage with RBS- First Active. Conveyancing solicitors are said to be ‘a necessary evil’ but can I do it myself?
Leaving aside the complexities and merits of DIY conveyancing you will have to appoint a solicitor on the RBS- First Active conveyancing panel to look after their interests. Most people therefore find it easier to let the solicitor act for them and the lender. Furthermore there is minimal cost savings to made in you doing to conveyancing for yourself and another lawyer conducting the conveyancing for the lender. Please feel free to use the search tool to find a lawyer on the RBS- First Active conveyancing panel in your location.
Are all Conveyancing Quality Solicitors on the RBS- First Active conveyancing panel?
A selection of banks and building societies now use CQS as the starting point for Panel approval such as HSBC and Santander. CQS membership however gives no guarantee to lender panel acceptance. That being said,the Council of Mortgage Lenders have indicated that it is likely to become a pre-requisite for firms wishing to join their approved list of conveyancing solicitors.
I'm in the process of viewing apartments and now considering a potential offer. Is it best to have a conveyancer on ‘stand by’? I will be getting a mortgage with RBS- First Active
It would be sensible to have your start your search soon rather than later. After you have chosen your lawyer and once your offer is accepted you can instruct them to work for you and pass their details on the the EA. As you are getting a mortgage with RBS- First Active , make sure you remember to check that your lawyer is on the RBS- First Active conveyancing panel.
I currently have a mortgage with with RBS- First Active. Conveyancing was finalised 12 months ago. Should I wish to rent out my property and do not currently have a buy-to-let mortgage do I need to remortgage to a buy-to-let mortgage or inform RBS- First Active?
You must advise RBS- First Active in advance of renting your property as this is likely to be a breach of RBS- First Active’s mortgage conditions. In many cases banks or building societies will permit you to let out your former home without needing to switch to a buy-to-let mortgage but some lenders will add a surcharge to your mortgage rate to reflect the higher risk. You should contact RBS- First Active directly. You need not do this via a RBS- First Active conveyancing panel firm.