Ulster Bank Conveyancing Panel Information

No such training is arranged by the CML although they do arrange numerous useful conveyancing related conferences which are attended by firms on the Ulster Bank conveyancing panel. We do intend to run specific lender focused seminars in the coming months including a webinar on Ulster Bank’s Part 2 requirements. Law firms on the Ulster Bank conveyancing panel are welcome. Information about the webinar will be communicated as part of the LENDERmonitor Alerts.

Ulster Bank 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 Ulster Bank 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 65 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 call your search provider or call one of the leading search companies such as Searchflow.

Lexsure only know of a couple of lenders that operate a distinct approved solicitors panel where the mortgage advance is over a certain amount. You should nevertheless check directly with Ulster Bank. At one stage HSBC would only allow Sole practitioners to act for them where the mortgage was below £150,000. We are not sure if HSBC still operate such a condition. In your case it is best to check with Ulster Bank

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

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 Ulster Bank solicitor panel membership. Please remember that it is always important that you complete your insurance forms accurately.

You should get in touch with Ulster Bank to obtain standard documents. The The Council of Mortgage Lenders Handbook incorporates an individual section for banks to enumerate who to contact to obtain standard documents. Ulster Bank in their Part 2’s state: Please remember to disclose the firm’s Ulster Bank conveyancing panel reference.