Kensington Mortgage Conveyancing Panel Information

Kensington Mortgage 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 Kensington Mortgage 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 70 conveyancing 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 Searchflow.

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

On the basis that your firm in is on the Kensington Mortgage conveyancing panel and you are representing them in relation to a leasehold property, you must report to them if it becomes apparent that the landlord is either absent or insolvent. If Kensington Mortgage are to lend, they may require indemnity insurance. In any event,you will need to check Kensington Mortgage’s specific requirements. Notwithstanding whether Kensington Mortgage will lend in such circumstances you still need to advise the borrower (unless you are acting for Kensington Mortgage alone) as to the risks of buying a property with an insolvent or absentee landlord.

Your insurance brokers are your best port of call to address this question. The chances are that on the basis that you have not been removed for fraud or negligence reasons that there will be little or no impact. The main reason why a firm would be removed off of a lender panel is due to low volume of conveyancing cases although there may be a number of criteria for Kensington Mortgage solicitor panel membership. Please remember that it is always important that you complete your insurance forms accurately.

You need to communicate with Kensington Mortgage to obtain standard documents. The CML Handbook has a specific inquiry for lenders to establish who to contact to obtain standard documents. Kensington Mortgage in their Part 2’s state: It is likely that you will need to quote your Kensington Mortgage solicitors panel reference.