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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.
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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
Britannia Conveyancing Panel : Questions and Answers
I have just been informed by my lender that my solicitor is not on the Britannia Conveyancing panel. How can I check?
The first thing you need to do is to contact your conveyancer. You lawyer should advise you what has happened. If they are not on the panel they could put your in touch with solicitors on the the approved Britannia solicitor panel.
My solicitor has spotted a difference between the assumptions in Britannia’s home valuation report and what is in the legal papers for the property. My solicitor informs me that as he is on the Britannia conveyancing panel he is obliged to ensure that the lender is happy with this discrepancy and is content go ahead. Is my solicitor’s course or action correct?
A precondition to being on the Britannia approved panel is to comply with the CML Handbook requirements (last updated for this lender on Britannia) which do require that your lawyer disclose any incorrect assumptions in the lender’s valuation report and the legal papers. 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.
Whilst your website is a good idea there are many lawyers listed near Middlesbrough on the Britannia conveyancing panel. Can you recommend a specific firm on the Britannia approved panel?
We do not recommend specific firms as the right firm for you depends on where your priorities lie. For example you may require a local firm with local knowledge or you might be looking for the low cost conveyancing. Before you appoint your lawyer we advise you to speak to two or three of the firms listed to gain comfort as to which one is right for you..
My conveyancers in Newcastle have advised me that no longer have my conveyancing file. At the time of 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 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 Britannia Conveyancing Panel Terms. It might be worth you contacting Britannia directly.
We have agreed a price on a house I spoke to a lawyer recommended by my mum and he suggested retaining a solicitor approved by Britannia. The estate agent recommended two local firms so I asked Britannia if the 2 suggested solicitors are approved, which they are not. Britannia suggested that either practice can fill out the appropriate forms to become approved. Do I (1) save myself the aggravation and use one of Britannia 's conveyancing panel solicitors (2) Use the local solicitor and accept there may be delays etc as they go through the approval process.
Enquire of Britannia for conveyancing panel firms in your area. 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 Britannia 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 Britannia conveyancing panel as it may only take about 2-3 weeks. As long as they meet Britannia’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.
I am currently in the process of buying my council flat. I have a mortgage agreed with Britannia. Conveyancing is new to me. 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 Britannia you will need to appoint a solicitor on the Britannia conveyancing panel.
Britannia 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 Britannia or your broker and complete any relevant paperwork. Britannia will tell you what documents they want. Britannia 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. Britannia 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.
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Transfer of Equity for BritanniaPlease note that Lexsure Ltd is in no way associated with nor affiliated with Lexsure Solicitors