Me and my partner are buying a 2 bedroom apartment in Blackwall with a mortgage. We like our Blackwall conveyancer, however the lender says she’s not on their "panel". It appears that we have no choice but to select one of the bank panel conveyancing practices or retain our Blackwall conveyancer as well as pay for one of their panel lawyers to represent them. This feels very unfair; can we not require that the mortgage company use our Blackwall conveyancer ?
No, not really. Your mortgage offer is subject to its terms and conditions, one of which will be that lawyers will on the lender’s conveyancing panel. Until recently, most lenders had large numbers of law firms on their panels: a borrower could choose one for themselves, as long as it was on the lender's panel. The lender would then simply instruct the borrower's lawyers to act for the lender, too. You can use your lender's panel lawyers or you could borrow from another lender which does not restrict your choice. Another option that might be available is for your Blackwall conveyancing lawyer to apply to be on the conveyancing panel.
I am mortgaging my property in Blackwall, does my lawyer need to be on the Santander Solicitor panel?
There is nothing to stop you using your solicitor, but Santander will insist on their interests being represented by a firm on their conveyancing panel. There is greater potential for delays and confusion with two solicitors involved, and it will undoubtedly be more expensive too.
Despite weeks of looking the Title Certificate and documents to my property can not be found. The conveyancers who handled the conveyancing in Blackwall 4 years ago have long since closed. What are my next steps?
In today’s world there are copies made of almost everything, and your conveyancer will know precisely where to look for all the relevant paperwork so you can purchase or dispose of your property without a hitch. If copies are not available, your conveyancer can put in place insurance or indemnities protecting you against future claims on your premises.
Is it simple use your search facility to get a costs illustration from a conveyancing practitioner in Blackwall on the authorised to act for my lender?
Step one is to pick a mortgage company such as HSBC Bank, Virgin Money or Barclays Direct then choose your location for example Blackwall. Conveyancing practices in Blackwall and across England and Wales will then be shown.
I have been sourcing a conveyancing solicitor in Blackwall for my home move. Is it possible to see a firm’s complaints history with the legal regulator?
One may read presented Solicitor Regulator Association (SRA) determinations stemming from inquisitions started on or after Jan 2008. Visit Check a solicitor's record. To find records about the period before 1 January 2008, or to check a solicitors record, ring 0870 606 2555, 08.00 - 18.00 any week day save for Tuesday when lines open at 9.30am. International callers, use +44 (0)121 329 6800. The regulator could monitor telephone calls for training purposes.