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approved by Halifax
Ready to buy a new home? Failing to check that a lawyer is on the Halifax list of approved solicitors can put your transaction at risk of delay or failure.
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How does my firm apply to be on the Halifax Conveyancing Panel? How can my firm be reinstated onto the Halifax Conveyancing Panel?Find an Approved Solicitor on the Halifax Conveyancing Panel
Halifax Conveyancing Panel Recently Asked Questions
Is there a reason why all solicitors aren't included on the Halifax Solicitor panel?
Even though it may seem unfair for Halifax to restrict who can act for them from the public’s or solicitor’s point of view, the other side of the coin is that the lenders are becoming ever more anxious and feel the necessary need to protect them from mortgage fraud and other illegal activities. As a result of this concern Halifax are limiting their panel of approved conveyancing lawyers to a size that they are happy to control. The Halifax conveyancing panel is not the most exclusive of all lenders
Our lawyer has discovered a problem with the lease for the apartment we are purchasing. The other side have suggested defective title insurance as a workaround. We are happy with insurance and will pay for it. Our solicitor says that as he is on the Halifax conveyancing panel he must check that the lender is happy with this solution. Who is the client here, us or Halifax?
Just because you have a mortgage offer from Halifax does not mean to say that the property will be meet their requirements for the purposes of a mortgage. Your lawyer has to ensure that the lease has to comply with the CML Handbook Requirements. You and Halifax are the client. These conveyancing instructions must be adhered to by the Halifax conveyancing panel who has to balance acting for you and Halifax
How do I search for a local solicitor on the Halifax conveyancing panel? I have a car and am prepared to travel up to 20 miles to meet the solicitor.
Feel free to make use of the find a conveyancing panel search on this page. Please choose the lender and your location and you will see a number of lawyer located nearest you. Alternatively you can type in the name of your proposed law firm and see if they are listed as being on the Halifax solicitor panel.
I am considering applying for a Halifax mortgage for purchase of a new build (under development) with 60% LTV. Is it compulsory to choose a solicitor on the conveyancing panel for Halifax?
In theory, you could use a solicitor that is not on Halifax conveyancing panel, but Halifax would require one of their panel solicitors to be instructed to act in their interests, and you'd have to pay for this - so most people instruct a panel solicitor. It's also easier, as otherwise you'd have to deal with two solicitors for the same conveyancing matter.
My brother and I have agreed a price on a apartment I spoke to a solicitor recommended by my uncle and he suggested instructing a law firm approved by Halifax. The estate agent recommended two local firms so I asked Halifax if the 2 suggested solicitors are approved, which they are not. Halifax pointed out that either firm can fill out the appropriate forms to become approved. Do I (1) save myself the aggravation and use one of Halifax 's conveyancing panel solicitors (2) Use the local solicitor and accept there may be delays etc as they go through the approval process.
Ask Halifax to suggest a law firm in your location. Most banks have lawyers on their panel throughout the UK. You can also use our search tool at the top of this page to search for a lawyer on the Halifax conveyancing panel based on location. If you particularly like the sound of one of the local lawyers that you have spoken to ask them if they would go onto Halifax conveyancing panel as it may only take about 2-3 weeks. As long as they meet Halifax’s requirements it can be a very simple job for the solicitor. Other stuff will be going on in parallel (as you are at an early stage) so it may not delay matters.
Halifax have agreed my mortgage in principle, my offer on house has been accepted, now what?
The estate agent will want to know who your solicitors are (make sure these solicitors are on the lenders panel). Call up Halifax or your broker and complete any relevant paperwork. Halifax will tell you what documents they want. Halifax will instruct a valuer. The valuer will get in touch with the estate agent or seller to book an appointment. Once conducted (assuming no problems) it takes about week to get a mortgage offer. Halifax will issue the offer to you and your lawyer. The transaction will then take it’s course according the nature and complexity of the conveyancing.
My offer on house has been accepted, the seller does however have a dependent purchase. The vendors have offered on somewhere, but not been accepted yet, and have viewings of other properties booked. My conveyancing solicitor has been instructed. What do I do now? When should I get the mortgage app going with Halifax?
It is usual to have concerns where there is a chain as you are unlikely to want to be too out of pocket too early (mortgage application is approx £1k, then survey/valuation, conveyancing search costs, etc). First you should check that your solicitor is on the Halifax conveyancing panel. As to the next stages this very much depends on the circumstances of your case, desire for this property and on the state of the market. In a hot mortgage some buyers would pally for the mortgage with Halifax and pay for the valuation and only if it comes back ok would they pay their solicitor to press on with searches.
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