JPMorgan Conveyancing Panel Information

Paragraph 16.2.1 of the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook relevant to a solicitor on the JPMorgan conveyancing panel reads ‘Our mortgage secures further advances. Consequently, when a further advance is required for alterations or improvements to the property we will not normally instruct a member of our conveyancing panel but if you are instructed the appropriate provisions of this Handbook will apply’.

JPMorgan 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 JPMorgan 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 provider lists over 70 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.

You might expect JPMorgan via their Part Two conditions to address this but the Handbook makes no mention on time frames. Do look at the Terms of JPMorgan’s Conveyancing Panel Appointment that you entered into. For many lender's these Terms contain 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 JPMorgan informed. Law firms can often compound their problems by not communicating with the lender when there is a delay or problem.

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

You should provide 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 Law Society viability as to what has occured.

You would be advised to communicate with JPMorgan to obtain standard documents. The CML Handbook incorporates a specific inquiry for banks to cite who to contact to obtain standard documents. JPMorgan in their Part 2’s state: It is likely that you will need to disclose the firm’s JPMorgan conveyancing panel number.