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Hodge Solicitor Panel: Recently Asked Questions
What obligations do I have,
being on the
Hodge conveyancing panel, to carry out a Lawyer Checker Search, an HS2 search?
Hodge 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 Hodge 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. Is this covered within your Terms of Engagement or Report on Title?
One search provider 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 STL.
Given my firm’s membership on the Hodge conveyancing panel how long am I expected to keep hold of the original conveyancing file?
The CML Part II requirements of
Hodge are silent on this. Most mortgage companies deal with the issue of file retention via their Terms of panel appointment where they generally provide that for evidential purposes, the firm must keep the file for at least of 6 years from the date of the mortgage. Data imagining is normally
suitable compliance with this requirement. Many lenders point out in
that it is the practice of some fraudsters to demand the conveyancing
file on completion in order to destroy evidence that may later be
used against them. It is therefore important to retain these
documents to protect Hodge’s interest. To be
absolutely sure of Hodge requirements in this regard
please check the Terms and Conditions of Hodge’s
conveyancing panel acceptance.
Do you have any idea what Lenders such as
Hodge are asking for when it comes to applying to be on their approved conveyancing panel?
Although not necessarily published, lenders have varying criteria .
We do not hold specific requirements relating to the questions raised as part of the application to be on the
Hodge conveyancing panel. Typically lenders need to have full knowledge of a firm including (but not limited to):
Areas of Law covered by the firm
Full complaints history for each licensed conveyancer
List of fee-earners who are foreign qualified
Solicitor
Full disciplinary history for each conveyancing solicitor
House price discrepancies (declared to lender vs. registered at Land Registry)
Charge registration history
Whether the firm has ever applied for accreditation and the outcome of the application
Full career history for each licensed conveyancer including registration date with Council of Licensed Conveyancers
Firm name, address and contact details including all branches (including evidence of existence through risk-based physical visits and Google Streetview checks)
Are there conditions,outside the CML Part 2 requirements, that a firm should be aware of when on the Hodge conveyancing panel?
In order to be on the Hodge conveyancing panel solicitors have to complete an application form and agree Terms and Conditions. A sample of 5 conditions that we see amongst many lenders Terms (but not necessarily Hodge) are as follows:
- That any deeds you borrow from us in connection with the personal mortgage of a partner or director at your firm must be requested by a partner or director other than the partner or director concerned and the transaction must be handled by that other partner or director. If you are a sole practitioner and require the loan of deeds in connection with your own mortgage, you must nominate a different firm on our panel to request the deeds and handle the transaction.
- If you are a sole practitioner, to arrange for appropriate locum cover from our panel where necessary. Your locum must be a member of the Conveyancing panel.
- To quote on all communications with us relating to deeds/registration issues, whether by telephone or in writing, the panel number that we provide for each practising address and the mortgage account or application number for the mortgage concerned.
- To be responsible for the reconstitution of the title deeds (whether the title is registered or unregistered, at your own cost), where any deeds in your possession, or were last known to be in your possession, go missing.
- To forward the title deeds and documents to another solicitor/conveyancer within 24 hours of an instruction from us requiring you to do so. On forwarding the deeds as instructed you will confirm to us that you have done so. Upon receipt of your confirmation, we will release you from all undertakings relating to your holding the title deeds.
My PI renewal application this year contained the following question: ‘Has your Firm been asked by a lender to agree to more onerous terms and conditions than provided for in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook?’ My firm is on the majority of bank panels including the
Hodge conveyancing panel. We have Terms and Conditions of appointment which we have to follow. Do I disclose these these Terms ?
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 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 completing the answer.
My firm has just been advised that it’s Hodge panel membership revoked but we have not yet been given a reason as to why.
I am completing a CQS renewal questionnaire what details must I report?
In the circumstances please explain on the form what action you have taken to discover the reasons behind cancellation of your
Hodge panel status.
In particular please provide details if you have received communications from the lender. E.G. before termination of your panel membership did you receive any letters or calls from the lender putting you on notice?
I am on the
Hodge
conveyancing panel and all set to complete a remortgage shortly. I dont have a Mortgage Deed for the client to execute.
Who do I contact at Hodge to obtain duplicate documents?
You should get in touch with Hodge
to obtain standard documents. The The Council of Mortgage Lenders Handbook incorporates an individual inquiry for banks to cite who to contact to obtain standard documents.
Hodge in their Part 2’s state:
Don’t forget to disclose the firm’s Hodge conveyancing panel number.
Find a Lawyer on the Hodge Conveyancing Panel
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Average number of days to register title including a charge in favour of Hodge
This information relates to purchase only and not remortgages.
| Year | Days* |
|---|---|
| 2026 | [no data] |
| 2025 | [no data] |
| 2024 | [no data] |
| 2023 | [no data] |
| 2022 | [no data] |
| 2021 | [no data] |
* Data aggregated from sources including COMPLETIONmonitor
Other related topics:
- CQS policy templates and procedures for accredited Hodge Firms
- Draft Report on Title precedent for Hodge borrowers
- Draft Anti Money Laundering PolicyTemplate for Hodge panel firms to consider
- Dealing with Lender Policy Template panel for CQS accredited firms on the Hodge lender panel
- Buy-to-Let help for Hodge
- Consent-to-Let help for Hodge
- Contractor Mortgages with Hodge
