I am selling my house in Bulls Cross and the EA has just called to say that the purchasers are appointing a new conveyancer. The excuse is that the lender will only engage with solicitors on their conveyancing panel. On what basis would a big named lender only engage with specific law firms rather the firm that they want to choose for their conveyancing in Bulls Cross ?
Mortgage companies have always had an approved set of law firms they are content to work with, but in the past few years big names such as Santander, have considered and reduced their conveyancing panel– in some cases removing conveyancing firms who have worked with them for more than 15 years.
Banks point to the increase in fraud as the reason for the reduction – criteria have been tightened as a smaller panel is easier to maintain. Banks tend not to disclose how many solicitors have been dropped, claiming the information is commercially sensitive, but the Law Society claims that it is hearing daily from firms that have been removed from panels. Plenty of firms do not even realise they have been dropped until contacted by a borrower who has instructed them as might be the situation in your buyers' case. Your buyers are not going to have any sway in the decision.
Our lender has recommended a law firm on their panel based in Bulls Cross but I would rather use a conveyancing lawyer in Bulls Cross or nearer to where I live. Are you able to help?
Not all Bulls Cross conveyancing practitioners are listed all banks conveyancing panel. Use the above find an approved solicitor tool to locate a Bulls Cross conveyancing solicitor on the on the bank panel.
We had appointed conveyancers located in Bulls Cross on the Santander solicitor panel. They are now charging me an additional sum for handling the Santander mortgage. Is this a supplemental conveyancing fee set by Santander?
As unfair as it may appear, as long as it’s in their Terms and Conditions or Quote then yes your property lawyer can charge a fee for this. This charge is not dictated by Santander but by your Bulls Cross property lawyer. Plenty of firms on the Santander panel will quote an ‘acting for lender’ fee and others do not.
I am expecting a DIP from HSBC this week so we can work out what to offer on a property we like as otherwise we only have online calculators to go by (which aren't taking into account credit checks etc). Do HSBC recommend any Bulls Cross solicitors on the HSBC conveyancing panel, or is it better to go independently?
You will need to appoint Bulls Cross solicitors independently although you'll need to choose one on the HSBC conveyancing panel. The solicitor represents both you and HSBC through the process.
I am currently in the process of buying my council flat in Bulls Cross. I have a mortgage offer with Yorkshire BS. Conveyancing is new to me. Can I proceed without a solicitor easily? I think we can but we keep being told I should use one. Any advice?
It is not advisable to proceed with a house purchase without a solicitor. The council's solicitor are not acting for you. You need a solicitor for a number reasons. One of which is to verify what plans the Council have for repairs and refurbishment for the next five years. Many leaseholders have been stung for contributions of thousands of pounds. In any event, if you are getting a mortgage with Yorkshire BS, you will need to appoint a solicitor on the Yorkshire BS conveyancing panel.
I am purchasing a house and the lawyer has referenced Chancel Repair to which the property may be obligated to pay because it falls into the area of such a church. He has suggested insurance. Is this really appropriate for conveyancing in Bulls Cross
Unless a previous acquisition of the house took place after 12 October 2013 you could take it that conveyancing practitioners delivering conveyancing in Bulls Cross to remain encouraging a chancel search and or insurance against a claim.
I am thinking of appointing a conveyancing practitioner in Bulls Cross for my home move. Can I check a firm’s complaints history with the legal regulator?
You may see presented Solicitor Regulator Association (SRA) decisions arising from inquisitions from 2008 onwards. Go to Check a solicitor's record. For records about the period before 1 January 2008, or to check a solicitors record, phone 0870 606 2555, 08.00 - 18.00 Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and 09.30 - 18.00 Tuesday. For non-uk callers, dial +44 (0)121 329 6800. The regulator could monitor telephone calls for training purposes.
What are my options where I am dissatisfied with the conveyancer who did our conveyancing in Bulls Cross?
Occasionally the level of service you receive is not as you expect, and unfortunately occasionally matters do not go as planned. However there is recourse if you were not happy with your conveyancing in Bulls Cross. This varies from trying to resolve matters directly with them, through to reporting a solicitor to their regulator. If you remain unhappy you may consider enlisting the help of the Legal Ombudsman.