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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 Solicitor Panel Recently Asked Questions
On what basis could a firm of solicitors be excluded from the Halifax approved conveyancing panel?
A survey recently commissioned by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority found that three quarters of solicitor practices had been excluded from a lender panel. The most common reasons in order are :
- lack of transactions
- the lawyer is a sole practitioner
- as part of the HSBC panel reduction
- regulatory contact by SRA
- accidental removal. We are not aware of the specific or common criteria for removal by Halifax
Expecting to complete my purchase next Tuesday. I have now been asked to send a copy of my building insurance schedule by my solicitor as as he informs me that he is duty bound to validate that it is in order for Halifax. What risks do Halifax expect the insurance to cover?
Any lawyer on the Halifax conveyancing panel would need to check that the following risks are covered fire; lightning; aircraft; explosion; earthquake; storm; flood; escape of water or oil; riot; malicious damage; theft or attempted theft; falling trees and branches and aerials; subsidence; heave;landslip;collision;accidental damage to underground services;professional fees, demolition and site clearance costs; and public liability to anyone else. There are some other issues such as the level of excess that are set out in Halifax’s Part 2 requirements of the CML Handbook (last updated on Halifax). Being on the Halifax conveyancing panel your lawyer is expect to follow these instructions.
I am looking to buy a house and need a conveyancing solicitor in Liverpool who is on the Halifax approved. Could you point me in the right direction as regards a solicitor?
Our service is a directory service for firms who wish to be listed as being on the approved conveyancing panel for Halifax . We don’t recommend any particular firm.
My solicitors in Liverpool have advised me that they can not locate my conveyancing file. At the time of my purchase I took out a mortgage with Halifax. Is it case that being on the Halifax conveyancing panel they need to have retained the file for a number of years?
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 Halifax Conveyancing Panel Terms. It might be worth you contacting Halifax directly.
I am buying a property where the roof has a solar panel. Solicitors conducting should look into this right? Will my lender Halifax be concerned
Given that you are obtaining a mortgage with Halifax your lawyer must to check the Halifax conveyancing instructions contained in the Part of CML Handbook for Halifax . The CML Handbook contains minimum requirements for solar panel roof-space leases, and solicitors are required to report to Halifax where a lease does not meet these requirements. The requirements relate to the installation of panels on properties in England and Wales. Requirements for Scotland are due in the near future.
I have decided to exercise my right to buy my property off the council. I have a mortgage offer with Halifax. Conveyancing is new to me. Can I proceed without a solicitor easily? I think we can but we keep being told I should use 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 Halifax you will need to appoint a solicitor on the Halifax conveyancing panel.
It is not clear whether my mortgage offer obliges me to make sure the lease term for the flat is extended prior to the completion date . I have telephoned Halifax on various occasions and told it wasn't a problem and they would lend. My solicitor - who is on the Halifax conveyancing panel- telephoned and was told not they would not lend in accordance with their CML Handbook minimum lease term requirements. I simply dont know who is right
As long as the conveyancer is on the Halifax panel she or he must comply with the CML Handbook requirements for Halifax. Unless your lawyer obtains specific confirmation in writing that Halifax will go ahead your lawyer has no choice but to refrain from exchanging contract and committing you to the purchase. We would suggest that you ask Halifax to contact your lawyer in writing confirming that they will accept the remaining number of years left on the lease.
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Transfer of Equity for HalifaxPlease note that Lexsure Ltd is in no way associated with nor affiliated with Lexsure Solicitors