Find a Law Firm
approved by FirstDirect
Ready to buy a new home? Failing to check that a lawyer is on the FirstDirect 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 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
Frequently asked questions relating to the First Direct Solicitor Panel
My fiance and I are purchasing a 3 bedroom flat in Newcastle with a mortgage from First Direct. We like our solicitor but First Direct says she’s not on their "panel". We have to appoint one of the First Direct panel firms or keep our solicitor and pay for one of their panel ones to represent them. We feel as though this is unjust; Can we not simply insist that First Direct use our lawyer?
Unfortunately,no. The mortgage offered to you is subject to its terms and conditions, one of which will be that lawyers will on the First Direct 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. A further alternative is for your solicitors to apply to be on the conveyancing panel for First Direct
Much to my surprise my lawyer has informed me that he requires personal identification documents saying that this forms part of his obligations as a conveyancer on the First Direct Solicitor panel. Am I being spun a yarn?
Anti-terror and anti-money-laundering rules require solicitors and licensed conveyancers to verify the identity of the person or body they are dealing with before they can accept their conveyancing business. The Terms and Conditions that you need to sign will no doubt confirm this. Your lawyer is right that First Direct also require certain documents to be viewed. If a you refuse to provide ID verification documents, your conveyancer would not be able to accept instructions from you. Your lawyer also has obligations to obtain certain documents in accordance with First Direct CML Handbook requirements last updated on First Direct
I have been looking for online conveyancing estimates. Can I be sure that all the law firms that are identified on your site are on the First Direct conveyancing panel?
The solicitor and licensed conveyancing practices listed on our site have advised us 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 not accurate.
I am considering applying for a First Direct mortgage for purchase of a new build (under development) with 70% loan to value. Is it compulsory to choose a solicitor on the conveyancing panel for First Direct?
There is nothing to stop you using your solicitor but First Direct will insist on their interests being represented by a firm on their conveyancing panel. There is greater potential for delays and confusion with an additional lawyer added to the mix, and it will undoubtedly be more expensive too.
We expect to receive a DIP from First Direct this week so we know how much we could potentially offer as otherwise we are dependent on web based calculators (which aren't taking into account credit checks etc).Do the First Direct recommend a solicitor on the First Direct conveyancing panel, or is it better to go independently
You will need to appoint solicitors independently although you'll need to choose one on the First Direct conveyancing panel. The solicitor represents both you and the First Direct through the process.
I have a mortgage with First Direct. Conveyancing has been completed a year ago. In the event that I decide to rent out the flat and do not currently have a buy-to-let mortgage do I need to remortgage to a buy-to-let mortgage or inform First Direct?
You must advise First Direct in advance of renting your property as this is likely to be a breach of First Direct’s mortgage conditions. In many cases banks or building societies will permit you to let out your former home without needing to switch to a buy-to-let mortgage but some lenders will add a surcharge to your mortgage rate to reflect the higher risk. You should contact First Direct directly. It should not be necessary to do this via a First Direct conveyancing panel firm.
My ex -wife’s name is on the First Direct mortgage of my property but not on the land registry. The apartment was transferred to me on our divorce many years ago by way of a sealed court order. Does my ex still have a say on the sale even though the land registry showing the property in my name alone? Will I be required to take her name of the First Direct mortgage in order to sell?
In terms of the First Direct mortgage, it is unusual that your ex-wife’s name remains on the mortgage but not on the title. It is conceivable that this is an oversight on the part of your conveyancers to ensure that her name was removed or even an administrative error on the part of First Direct in failing to update their data. In any event, it should cause difficulty providing her name no longer appears on the Land Registry title and you have a court order ordering that the property is transferred to you.
Other Topics
Transfer of Equity for First DirectPlease note that Lexsure Ltd is in no way associated with nor affiliated with Lexsure Solicitors