Ecology Building Society Conveyancing Panel Information

Lexsure has not been advised of any intention on the part of the UK Finance to develop such a search facility.

The CML, together with Ecology Building Society and other lenders developed a standard set of requirements where a solicitor is representing a lender such as Ecology Building Society alone in a residential conveyancing transaction. These obligations are contained at Part 3 of the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook and are to be followed together with Sections One and Two. The UK Finance have published an example requirements letter to the borrower’s lawyer for adaptation by the lender's conveyancer, and sets out to the borrower's conveyancer, the documentary and information requirements of the lender's panel lawyer.

Ecology Building Society 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’.

Please note that most ‘less usual searches’ (as described in the Law Society’s Conveyancing Handbook) are not optional as far as Ecology Building Society 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 client.

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. Is this covered within your Terms of Engagement or Report on Title?

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 call your search provider or call one of the leading search companies such as Searches UK.

For most lenders participation on the lender's panel of conveyancers is at the absolute discretion of the the lender. Many lenders reserve the right to accept or reject any application without giving any reason. You should check your original application to join the Ecology Building Society conveyancing panel to see if you are entitled to a reason.

In this situation please explain on the form what action you have taken to find out the reasons behind cancellation of your Ecology Building Society panel membership. In particular please provide details if you have received communications from the lender. E.G. before cessation of your panel membership did you receive any letters or calls from the lender informing you as to why they reached this decision?

You would be advised to get in touch with Ecology Building Society to obtain standard documents. The The Council of Mortgage Lenders Handbook has an express section for lenders to cite who to contact to obtain standard documents. Ecology Building Society in their Part 2’s state: Don’t forget to disclose the firm’s Ecology Building Society solicitors panel number.