This is a really interesting discussion. I am having all the same problems as the vendor and could not understand why but now I know why. Having been with nationwide for my last mortgage, I dont have one now thank goodness, I know what a pain they are to deal with. I would avoid them like the plague. If their stupid computer says no for whatever stupid reason , thats it, your knackered. They are quite unable to take individual circumstances into account and certainly cannot think for themselves. Its like they have this blueprint of criteria that has lots of questions and scenarios that must be obeyed.
This is why the poor person trying to get what should be a straight forward mortgage application is having delay after delay and this I now realise must be the problem with my buyer who is also making my life difficult. I know its not my buyers fault probably but I as I dont want to loose the property Im trying to buy I think I will have to go back on the market.
Many thanks for this interesting discussion and advise.