Doesn't necessarily rule out a settlement. Call them and tell them you're thinking of buying a boat or even better a small plane and would like access to the funds shortly. They might be in the mood to negotiate then. You're under no obligation to repay the loan early using your capital but you're doing them a big favour by doing so. Especially seeing as you are on a tracker. Move your deposit if necessary.
This is nonsense.
It is really simple. House will sell for (e.g.) 200K. Mortgage is (e.g.) 250K. Vendor/solicitor cannot close sale without the agreement of the lender on payment of the total sum outstanding. Otherwise, vendor's solicitor has a personal liability to the lender. Vendor has the money available to pay the difference. Vendor does not trust his own solicitor.
Solution: close the transaction in the Bank. In one transaction, close sale, hand over deeds, lodge all necessary funds to the mortgage account, walk away.
End of.
mf