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How does my firm apply to be on the First Direct Conveyancing Panel? How can my firm be reinstated onto the First Direct Conveyancing Panel?Find an Approved Solicitor on the First Direct Conveyancing Panel
FAQs : The First Direct Conveyancing Panel
How easy is it to change a solicitor as I need to find one who is on the First Direct conveyancing panel. Is it practical to instruct different lawyers?
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.
Our solicitor has discovered a problem with the lease for the flat we are buying. The other side have offered title insurance as a workaround. We are happy with insurance and will cover the costs. Our solicitor has advised that as he is on the First Direct conveyancing panel he must check that the lender is happy with this solution. Are we the client or is First Direct?
The short answer to your last question is that, notwithstanding the potential for a conflict of interest, you and First Direct are the client. A precondition to being on the First Direct approved panel is to comply with the CML Handbook requirements (last updated for this lender on First Direct). The CML Handbook conditions require your lawyer to disclose issues such as defects will the lease so that First Direct can be afforded the opportunity to check with their valuer as to the extent that the value of the property is affected . Should you refuse to allow your lawyer to make the appropriate notification then your lawyer will have no choice but to discontinue acting for you.
I have been looking for competitive conveyancing fees. Can I be sure that all the practices that are listed on your directory are on the First Direct conveyancing panel?
The law firms listed on our site have assured us via an online form that they are on the First Direct panel and agreed to advise us to take down their listing in the event of removal off of the First Direct panel. To date we have not been informed by either a lender or a member of the public that the data about a specific firm being on the First Direct conveyancing panel is incorrect.
My lawyers in London have advised me that no longer have my conveyancing file. At the time of my purchase I took out a mortgage with First Direct. Is it case that being on the First Direct conveyancing panel they need to have retained the file for a prescribed period?
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 First Direct Conveyancing Panel Terms. It might be worth you contacting First Direct directly.
Is there a list of First Direct panel conveyancers on the Council of Mortgage Lender’s Website?
No. There is no such tool on the Council of Mortgage Lenders or Building Society Association websites. Very few lenders make their panel listings available online.
We have a mortgage agreed in principle with First Direct. Solicitors have been appointed? How long does it take for First Direct to send the offer to our conveyancer
Some lenders take longer than others. Have First Direct done the valuation? Have you advised First Direct as your lawyers details and checked that your lawyer is on the First Direct conveyancing panel? sometimes it can take as long as six weeks for a mortgage offer to be issued
I am currently in the process of buying my council flat. I have a mortgage offer with First Direct. Conveyancing is not something I have any knowledge of. Can I proceed without a solicitor easily? I think we can but we keep being told I should have one. Any advice?
It is not advisable proceed with a house purchase without a solicitor. The council's solicitor are not acting for you. You need a solicitor for a number reasons. One of which is to verify what plans the Council have for repairs and refurbishment for the next five years. Many leaseholders have been stung for contributions of thousands of pounds. In any event if you are getting a mortgage with First Direct you will need to appoint a solicitor on the First Direct conveyancing panel.
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