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approved by Hampden
Ready to buy a new home? Failing to check that a lawyer is on the Hampden 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 Hampden & Co plc Conveyancing Panel? How can my firm be reinstated onto the Hampden & Co plc Conveyancing Panel?Find an Approved Solicitor on the Hampden & Co plc Conveyancing Panel
Common questions asked concerning the Hampden Conveyancing Panel
How easy is it to change a solicitor as I need to find one who is on the Hampden conveyancing panel. Is it advisable to appoint a new law firm?
If you haven't yet instructed a solicitor to do anything for you and have just received quotes, you're perfectly free to choose a different solicitor to carry out your work for you. The best way is to get recommendations from friends or family who have actually used the solicitor or conveyancer you're considering.
My lawyer has spotted a difference when comparing the information in Hampden’s home valuation survey and what is in the conveyancing documents. My lawyer informs me that as he is on the Hampden conveyancing panel he needs to check that the bank is OK with this discrepancy and is still content to lend. Is my conveyancer’s stance correct?
A precondition to being on the Hampden approved panel is to comply with the CML Handbook requirements (last updated for this lender on Hampden) 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.
Do all the firms listed on your search have online case tracking as I was under the impression that this was a precondition of being on the Hampden solicitor panel?
The Council of Mortgage Lenders or BSA do not require online case tracking. Some law firms operate such technology and some don't.
I was supposed to move into my flat last Friday. My lawyer’s firm is on the Hampden solicitors panel but has changed address 8 weeks ago and had not informed Hampden of their new address. Hampden has locked down the release of mortgage funds until such time as their systems are up to date with the correct details.
This is as unusual as it is unlucky. The majority of lender Terms of Conveyancing Panel Appointment specifically oblige the solicitor to inform the lender of an address change. Your solicitor needs to treat this with the utmost urgency. Do speak with or register your concern with the senior partner (assuming he or she is not your direct lawyer). Most lenders would be reasonable in this situation and expedite the resolution of this issue. It may be prudent to enlist the help of your local Hampden branch or your mortgage broker to see if they can assist.
I have had an offer accepted on a apartment I spoke to a solicitor previously used by my dad and he advised instructing a solicitor approved by Hampden. The estate agent recommended two local firms so I asked Hampden if the 2 suggested solicitors are approved, which they are not. Hampden suggested that either practice can fill out the appropriate forms to become approved. Do I (1) save myself the aggravation and use one of Hampden '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 Hampden for conveyancing panel firms in your area. Lenders have them all over the country. You can also use our search tool at the top of this page to search for a lawyer on the Hampden 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 Hampden conveyancing panel as it may only take about 2-3 weeks. As long as they meet Hampden’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.
Planning on purchasing a flat with a mortgage with Hampden. I have received an online quote from a licensed conveyancer, which states: "There will be no charge for dealing with the Lender if you are obtaining a mortgage". I take this to mean that there will be no additional fee if the solicitor is on the Hampden conveyancing panel. I wanted to make sure it means there will be no additional fees for dealing with the mortgage.
They are simply saying that the cost for acting for the lender is included in the fee being quoted. It is worth you checking that they are on the Hampden conveyancing panel
I have instructed a lawyer having made sure that they are on the Hampden conveyancing panel. Does my lawyer arrange the survey of the property?
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Having digested plenty of mortgage guides,I note that it is considered advisable to get your house surveyed prior to buying it. When I asked my solicitor - who is on the Hampden conveyancing panel - on this she said they don't do this and I need to contract an independent surveyor. Is that normal?
Hampden will need an independent valuation of the property. Your lawyer will not arrange this. Usually Hampden will appoint their own surveyor to do this, and you will have to pay for it. Remember that this is a valuation for mortgage purposes and not a survey.
You may wish to consider appointing your own surveyor to carry out a survey or prepare a home buyers report on the property. It is up to you to satisfy yourself that the property is structurally sound before you buy it. If the survey or report reveals that building work is needed, you should tell your solicitor. You may wish to renegotiate with the seller.
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Your lawyer will not organise the survey but they may be able to put you in touch with a local one that they recommend. RICS offers a find a surveyor service (just google it) where you can search for a qualified surveyor by postcode. As you are getting a mortgage with Hampden you could contact your them to see if they have a list of approved surveyors.
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