Barclays plc Conveyancing Panel Information

This not something that the CML would traditionally get involved with however they do organise a number of general legal related conferences which are attended by firms on the Barclays plc conveyancing panel. It is our intention to run specific lender focused seminars in the coming months including a webinar on Barclays plc’s Part 2 obligations. Law firms on the Barclays plc conveyancing panel will be invited. Information about the webinar will be made available as part of the LENDERmonitor Alerts.

Barclays plc make no specific obligation to carry out any of the searches listed. The UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook simply states that ‘you must ensure that any other searches which may be appropriate to the particular property, taking into account its locality and other features are carried out’.

Remember that most ‘less usual searches’ (as described in the Law Society’s Conveyancing Handbook) are not optional as far as Barclays plc are concerned if they are ‘appropriate’. Most lenders will not require environmental searches (you should Check Part 2 of UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook to be sure), but you are obliged to explain risks and availability to the borrower.

Ground stability, Plansearch,flood searches as well as the searches listed in the question are optional – but only to the extent that you have allowed the borrower client to make an informed choice. Regardless of whether there is a mortgage, If you have not advised the client that these (and other) searches are available and what risks they cover, then you will be liable if the client suffers loss through not conducting one. Does your ROT and Ts and Cs cover this?

One search supplier lists over 72 property searches – do you know what all of them are and when they may be relevant? If you are unsure as to which searches are appropriate based on location contact your search provider or call one of the leading search companies such as Searches UK.

Most lenders do not operate a specific buy to let conveyancing panel but we are hearing about a few that do. We do not know what the position is with Barclays plc as at todays date. If you're about to receive instructions from a client on a buy to let purchase with a mortgage from Barclays plc we suggest that you call Barclays plc to check the position.

12 people search for a property lawyer on the Barclays plc panel each month in Hendon. The lenderpanel directory service team who will show you how your firm can be identified by those searching for conveyancing in Hendon.

CQS membership is no guarantee to lender panel acceptance. Nevertheless the Council of Mortgage Lenders have indicated that it is likely to become a prerequisite for firms wishing to remain on their approved list of firms. Some mortgage companies now use CQS as the starting point for Panel acceptance such as Santander.

You would be advised to contact Barclays plc to obtain standard documents. The The Council of Mortgage Lenders Handbook has an explicit inquiry for banks to enumerate who to contact to obtain standard documents. Barclays plc in their Part 2’s state: You will need to disclose your Barclays plc solicitors panel reference.