Hodge Equity Release Conveyancing Panel Information

One might ordinarily expect Hodge Equity Release via their Part Two obligations to address this but the Handbook is silent on time frames. Do look at the Terms of Hodge Equity Release’s Conveyancing Panel Appointment that you previously signed. For a number of banks these Terms have a provision such as: ‘To keep us informed of the reasons for any delay in your being able to send the title deeds and documents we require to us within 3 months of completion or evidence of proof of registration within that period. (We will send reminders if the deeds have not been received but will not acknowledge receipt of deeds’ It is imperative to keep Hodge Equity Release updated. Law firms can often compound their problems by not communicating with the lender when there is a delay or problem.

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 Hodge Equity Release as at todays date. If you're about to receive instructions from a client on a buy to let purchase with a mortgage from Hodge Equity Release we suggest that you call Hodge Equity Release to check the position.

The key here is the caveat ‘more onerous’. You have to try and take an objective view as to whether the Terms relating to the Hodge Equity Release conveyancing appointment (or other terms for other lenders) are ‘more onerous’ than the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook Conditions. Depending on the Terms you may need to provide details on your renewal form. If you are in any doubt please call your broker to discuss before moving forward on this question.

When a solicitor is acting for both Hodge Equity Release and borrower there is potential for conflicts to arise. You owe duties to both clients. All information received by you from your client is confidential and cannot be disclosed without the client’s consent. In the situation you find yourself in if the purchaser will not consent to the information being passed on to the lender the solicitor must cease to act for the Hodge Equity Release and it may well be prudent you to cease to act for the purchaser as well. You can not tell the Hodge Equity Release the reason for termination of the retainer over and above the fact that a conflict has arisen. The fact that you can no longer act should alert even the most somnambulistic of lenders that something is wrong with the borrower and/or purchase. The fact that you have disinstructed yourself should not affect your Hodge Equity Release conveyancing panel status.

We would recommend that you supply details of the date of removal, information on the reason for removal, date of appeal and any reason given for reinstatement. This should not adversely impact your application but gives the CQS team viability as to what has happened.

You should get in touch with Hodge Equity Release to obtain standard documents. The CML Handbook contains an individual section for lenders to cite who to contact to obtain standard documents. Hodge Equity Release in their Part 2’s state: Always remember to disclose the firm’s Hodge Equity Release solicitors panel number.