RBS - Direct Line Conveyancing Lender Panel Compliance Tool

COMPLETIONmonitor is web-based pre- and post-completion checklist for residential conveyancing lawyers. Supported by the CML and PI insurers such as AmTrust. It is a unique risk mitigation tool.

This system optimises the way you can demonstrate to lender panels that you are, and can stay fully compliant with their requirements, with automatic updates on RBS - Direct Line’s changes. Notwithstanding that utilising the software is not a condition for acceptance on the RBS - Direct Line panel, demonstrating you can remain up to date with RBS - Direct Line’s Handbook requirements is an excellent support to your application to their lender panel and, just as importantly, protect your panel status.

COMPLETIONmonitor creates real-time alerts, automatically produces regulatory and CQS reports, and will enhance your firm's efficiency. In addition it is user friendly, cost-effective and, for some firms, leads to reduced PII premiums.

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Mortgage companies often change their requirements. The UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook requirements from RBS - Direct Line are not guidelines, they are instructions from a client. As with many clients, instructions can change - and they do change, frequently:

A Timeline of Policy Changes


Since 2008, RBS - Direct Line has made 186 revisions or additions to sections of their version of the CML Handbook.
That equates to a section change every 14.7 days. In total, 45% of the sections of P2 of the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook for RBS - Direct Line have been changed since 15/12/2008.

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Recent Changes Include

# Date Assoc. Changes Related To
14.2.1 28/12/2017 CML
Post Completion Conveyancing
Where should approved lawyersfor The Royal Bank of Scotland plc Direct Line Mortgages send the title deeds and documents following completion?
17.1.1 28/12/2017 CML
Redemption Statements
Contact details at The Royal Bank of Scotland plc Direct Line Mortgages for approved lawyers to request redemption statements .
5.7.1b 02/12/2016 CML
Freehold Flats
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc Direct Line Mortgages panel lawyers clarification as to whether they lend on freehold flats
Flying Freehold Indemnity Insurance
16.3.1 31/05/2016 CML
Transfer of Equity
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc Direct Line Mortgages 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 Direct Line Mortgages panel conveyancer requirements for New Build Conveyancing : Home Warranty Schemes
3.1.6 01/12/2014 CML
verification of identity
5.5.1a 01/12/2014 CML
requirements in terms of time for planning consents
5.5.1b 01/12/2014 CML
conveyancing requirements in terms of time for building regulation consents
6.14.1c 01/12/2014 CML
buildings insurance total sum insured calculation
6.14.1d 01/12/2014 CML
maximum excess re building insurance

Last update 06/11/2018

Examples of recent questions relating to the RBS - Direct Line Solicitor Panel from members of the public

I am getting a mortgage with RBS - Direct Line. I intend to retain the legal services of a Licensed Conveyancer. Does the RBS - Direct Line Conveyancing panel include Licensed Conveyancers
RBS - Direct Line’s approved solicitor list is, like many other lenders represented by the CML or BSA, open to Licensed Conveyancers regulated by the CLC.
Our conveyancer has uncovered a defect with the lease for the apartment we are purchasing. The other side have suggested defective title insurance as a solution. We are content with insurance and will cover the costs. Our solicitor has advised that as he is on the RBS - Direct Line conveyancing panel he must be satisfied that the lender is happy with this solution. Are we the client or is RBS - Direct Line?
The short answer to your last question is that, notwithstanding the potential for a conflict of interest, you and RBS - Direct Line are the client. A precondition to being on the RBS - Direct Line approved panel is to comply with the CML Handbook requirements (last updated for this lender on RBS - Direct Line). The CML Handbook conditions require your lawyer to disclose issues such as defects will the lease so that RBS - Direct Line can be afforded the opportunity to check with their valuer as to the extent that the value of the property is affected . 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 - Direct Line panel solicitor in Stirling. Can you assist?
It is not clear why you need a RBS - Direct Line panel solicitor but in any event, if you can not find one on our search tool you will need to speak directly to RBS - Direct Line to find out which solicitors in RBS - Direct Line 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
My lawyers in Leeds have advised me that they can not locate my conveyancing file. To assist with my purchase I took out a mortgage with RBS - Direct Line. Is it case that being on the RBS - Direct Line conveyancing panel they need to have retained the file for a number of years?
It very much depends from lender to lender but many of the Terms and Conditions of Conveyancing Panel Appointment require the file to be held for a period of 6 years. That being said we have not seen a copy of the RBS - Direct Line Conveyancing Panel Terms. It might be worth you contacting RBS - Direct Line directly.
When it comes to mortgage companies such as RBS - Direct Line do solicitors have to be pay a fee to be on the list of approved solicitors?
We are not aware of any lender fees to be on their panel although some do charge an administration charge to deal with the processing of the conveyancing panel application.
How can we tell if a solicitor on the RBS - Direct Line panel is any good?
Getting recommendations is a sensible start. Before you go ahead check if they offer a no sale no fee offer. Also you often get what you pay for - a firm which quotes more will often provide a better service than one which is cheap as chips. We would always recommend that you speak with the lawyer carrying out your conveyancing
I was told three weeks ago that my mortgage has been agreed to by RBS - Direct Line. Is it usual for RBS - Direct Line to only issue the offer once my solicitor is approved on their conveyancing panel?
Mortgage companies tend not to not issue a mortgage until they have details of a lawyer on their panel. It can take a few weeks for RBS - Direct Line to deal with your lawyers application to be on the RBS - Direct Line conveyancing panel. There's no guarantee that your solicitors will be accepted.