Is your solicitor on the Coventry Building Society panel?
Everything homebuyers and remortgagors need to know before instructing a solicitor — and how to check panel status in under two minutes.
If you are buying a home or remortgaging with a Coventry Building Society mortgage, there is one question you must ask your solicitor before you instruct them: “Are you on the Coventry Building Society conveyancing panel?”
If they are not, you could face significant delays, unexpected extra costs, or even have to switch solicitors at the worst possible moment. This guide explains exactly what the panel is, how to check it quickly, and what your options are if your preferred firm is not approved.
The Coventry Building Society conveyancing panel
When you take out a mortgage, your solicitor does not just work for you — they also legally represent your lender. Because Coventry Building Society is lending you a significant sum of money, they will only instruct law firms they have thoroughly vetted and approved. That approved list is called their conveyancing panel.
Key point: Coventry Building Society is the UK’s second-largest building society. If your solicitor is not on their panel, the society cannot use them to protect its mortgage security — which creates a serious problem for your transaction.
Check your solicitor’s panel status
The fastest method is to use the Coventry Building Society panel search on LenderPanel.com — a free, independent directory of every approved firm in England and Wales.
⚠ Important: Coventry Building Society can add or remove firms from their panel at short notice. Always ask your solicitor to confirm their status in writing, even after checking online.
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SRA & CLC regulated
Updated June 2026
The cost of getting this wrong
Instructing a solicitor who is not on the Coventry Building Society panel has real, costly consequences.
Double legal fees
CBS appoints their own solicitor — you may be asked to pay for both firms.
2–4 weeks delay
Split representation adds significant extra time to your completion timeline.
Transaction at risk
A non-panel firm can cause mortgage offers to lapse or property chains to collapse.
Start over
Discovering the issue late means re-instructing after paying search fees.
Your three options
Switch to a panel firm
Find an approved firm on LenderPanel.com and transfer your instructions. The cleanest and cheapest route.
Accept split representation
Keep your solicitor and let CBS appoint their own. Expect to pay for both firms and add 2–4 weeks to your timeline.
Conveyancing Panel application
Your solicitor applies to join the CBS panel. Not guaranteed and typically takes several months — too slow for an active transaction.
Copy and send this before instructing
Send this to any solicitor you are considering and keep their reply on file — it protects you if there is ever any dispute later in the transaction.
Confirmation: Coventry Building Society conveyancing panel status
Body
Hi [Solicitor name / firm name],
I am in the process of [buying a property / remortgaging] using a mortgage with Coventry Building Society, and I am considering instructing your firm for the conveyancing work.
Before I proceed, could you please confirm in writing that your firm is currently an approved member of the Coventry Building Society conveyancing panel?
If your firm has multiple offices, please also confirm whether the specific branch handling my case holds panel membership.
Many thanks,
[Your name]
Pre-instruction checklist
Searched the CBS panel on LenderPanel.com for approved firms in your postcode
Sent the panel confirmation email to your chosen solicitor
Received written confirmation that they are currently on the panel
Confirmed the specific office branch (if the firm has multiple locations) is also approved
Frequently asked questions
Can I use any solicitor for a Coventry Building Society mortgage?
No. Coventry Building Society requires your solicitor to be on their approved conveyancing panel. If they are not, you will need to switch to a panel firm or accept the cost and delay of split representation.
Does the panel requirement apply to remortgages too?
Yes. Panel requirements apply to both property purchases and remortgages with Coventry Building Society.
What if I find out my solicitor is not on the panel after instructing them?
Contact your solicitor immediately. If you are early in the process, switching to an approved firm via the CBS panel search is the simplest solution. If significant work has already been done, speak to your mortgage broker about your options.
Is the Coventry Building Society panel the same as the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook?
Related but not the same. The UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook sets out general conduct standards that all panel solicitors must follow. The CBS panel is their specific list of approved firms permitted to act on their behalf.
Does being on the panel mean the solicitor is high quality?
Not necessarily — panel membership means the firm meets CBS’s regulatory and operational criteria. It is still worth checking reviews, asking for a fixed-fee quote, and speaking directly to the lawyer who will handle your case.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Panel membership changes regularly — always verify directly with your solicitor before instructing.