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approved by Britannia
Ready to buy a new home? Failing to check that a lawyer is on the Britannia list of approved solicitors can put your transaction at risk of delay or failure.
Looking for information about your firm's panel status?
How does my firm apply to be on the Britannia Conveyancing Panel? How can my firm be reinstated onto the Britannia Conveyancing Panel?Find an Approved Solicitor on the Britannia Conveyancing Panel
Common questions asked concerning the Britannia Solicitor Panel
How easy is it to change a solicitor as I need to find one who is on the Britannia conveyancing panel. How easy is it to change conveyancer?
If you haven't yet instructed a solicitor to do anything for you and have just received quotes, you're perfectly free to choose a different solicitor to carry out your work for you. The best way is to get recommendations from friends or family who have actually used the solicitor or conveyancer you're considering.
Expecting to complete my purchase next Friday. My conveyancing lawyer has asked me to provide him with a copy of the building insurance for the house as he says that he has to check this in has capacity as lawyer for Britannia. What risks do Britannia expect the insurance to cover?
All property lawyers on the Britannia conveyancing panel would need to check that the following risks are covered fire; lightning; aircraft; explosion; earthquake; storm; flood; escape of water or oil; riot; malicious damage; theft or attempted theft; falling trees and branches and aerials; subsidence; heave;landslip;collision;accidental damage to underground services;professional fees, demolition and site clearance costs; and public liability to anyone else. There are some other issues such as the level of excess that are set out in Britannia’s Part 2 requirements of the CML Handbook (last updated on Britannia). Being on the Britannia conveyancing panel your lawyer is expect to follow these instructions.
Do I need to attend the offices of the Britannia conveyancing panel solicitor to execute the mortgage deed? If so, I will choose one who does conveyancing in Bristol
so that I can attend their offices when needed.
Most conveyancing panel lawyers for Britannia undertake all of the work via the post, internet or over the phone. This means that they can undertake your Conveyancing Transaction no matter where you live in England or Wales. However you should check if you can still book an appointment to go into appointed conveyancing lawyer if you prefer.
My lawyers in Manchester have advised me that they can not locate my conveyancing file. To assist with my purchase I took out a mortgage with Britannia. Is it case that being on the Britannia conveyancing panel they need to have retained the file for a number of years?
It very much depends from lender to lender but many of the Terms and Conditions of Conveyancing Panel Appointment require the file to be held for a period of 6 years. That being said we have not seen a copy of the Britannia Conveyancing Panel Terms. It might be worth you contacting Britannia directly.
Is it the case that all solicitor practices on the Britannia conveyancing panel regulated by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority?
As a firm of solicitors, in order to be on the Britannia conveyancing panel they would need to be regulated by the SRA. Many lenders do allow licenced conveyancers on their panel in which case such firms would be regulated by the Council of Licensed Conveyancers (CLC).
Can I register a complaint to Britannia about the lawyers being on the Britannia conveyancing panel?
There is little point in complaining directly to Britannia. Every solicitor firm and conveyancer must have a complaints procedure. Usually one can find this information from the solicitor’s or conveyancer’s website or ask at their office. They must tell you about it if you ask.
The Legal Ombudsman will make sure that your complaint is addressed by the solicitor. It can also advise you how to complain.
If a licensed conveyancer does not have a complaints procedure or will not tell you about it, contact the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC), which will make sure that your complaint is properly dealt with by the conveyancer. Please see below for more information.
I can not work out if my mortgage offer obliges me to make sure the lease term for the flat is extended prior to the completion date . I have telephoned Britannia on various occasions and was told they are content with the situation and they would lend. My solicitor - who is on the Britannia conveyancing panel- telephoned and was told not they would not lend in accordance with their CML Handbook minimum lease term requirements. I simply dont know who is right
Your lawyer has to follow the CML Handbook Part 2 requirements for Britannia. Unless your lawyer obtains specific confirmation in writing that Britannia will go ahead your lawyer has no choice but to refrain from exchanging contract and committing you to the purchase. We would suggest that you ask Britannia to contact your lawyer in writing confirming that they will accept the remaining number of years left on the lease.
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Transfer of Equity for BritanniaPlease note that Lexsure Ltd is in no way associated with nor affiliated with Lexsure Solicitors