Find an Approved Solicitor on the Pepper Money (PUK)
Conveyancing Panel
Examples of recent questions relating to the Pepper Money (UK) Solicitor Panel
My partner and I are first time buyers. Within the last couple of days our solicitor has forwarded the sale agreement to sign with a detailed report with the expectation that exchange is imminent. Pepper Money (UK) have this afternoon contacted us to advise us that there is now an issue as our lawyer is not on their conveyancing panel. Please explain?
When purchasing a property with the benefit of a mortgage it is usual for the purchaser's solicitors to also act for the purchaser's lender.
In order to act for a bank or building society a law firm has to be on that lender's conveyancing panel. An application has to be made by the law firm to the lender to become a member of the lender's panel and there are increasingly strict criteria which the firm has to satisfy and indeed some lenders now require their panel members to be part of the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme.
Your solicitors should contact Pepper Money (UK) and see if they can apply for membership of the Pepper Money (UK) conveyancing panel, but if that is not viable Pepper Money (UK) will instruct their own lawyers to represent them. You don't have to instruct a firm on the Pepper Money (UK) conveyancing panel as you are at liberty to use your preferred lawyers, in which case your legal fees may increase, and it may delay matters as you have another set of people involved.
Much to my surprise my solicitor has informed me that he requires proof of ID documents saying that this is part of his legal duty as a solicitor on the Pepper Money (UK) Solicitor panel. Am I being spun a yarn?
Due to Money Laundering Regulations your conveyancing lawyer is duty bound to confirm positively your identification when entering into a business relationship with you. It is a criminal offense if your lawyer not do this. If you do not provide ID early in the transaction the solicitor must refuse to act for you. It’s unlikely a lawyer will turn you away if you come to the first meeting without relevant ID but you will have to produce it at some point so you might as well bring it with you to the initial meeting so the lawyer can tick the ID verification box and start sorting out the conveyancing straight away. If you are getting a mortgage with Pepper Money (UK) your lawyer also has to check ID documents to satisfy Pepper Money (UK)
I need to find a Pepper Money (UK) panel solicitor in Inverness. Can you assist?
It is not clear why you need a Pepper Money (UK) panel solicitor but in any event, if you can not find one on our search tool you will need to speak directly to Pepper Money (UK) to find out which solicitors in Pepper Money (UK) are on their panel. If you do find such a firm not listed please direct them to our site to list. After all the cost is only one £1 a month
My aunt passed away last year and as sole heir and executor was left the property. The house had a relatively small loan remaining of approximately £5k. I want to have the title changed into my name whilst I re-mortgage to Pepper Money (UK) , pay off the mortgage etc. Is this allowed?
If you intend to re-mortgage then Pepper Money (UK) will insist on your using a conveyancer on the Pepper Money (UK) conveyancing panel. Here is link to the Land Registry online guidance around what to do when a property owner dies. This will help you to understand the registration process behind changing the details re the registered title. in your case it would appear that you are effectively purchasing the property from the estate. Your Pepper Money (UK) conveyancing panel solicitor pays the new mortgage money into the estate, the estate pays off the old mortgage, the charge is released and you become the owner and the Pepper Money (UK) mortgage is registered as a charge at the Land Registry.
Can I be sure that the solicitor on the Pepper Money (UK) panel is any good?
obtaining recommendations is a good starting point. Before you go ahead check if they offer a no sale no fee offer. Also you often get what you pay for - a firm which quotes more will often provide a better service than one which is cheap as chips. We would always advocate that you speak with the solicitor conducting your conveyancing
Do the majority of lenders operate their own panel of solicitors?
Many lenders do operate a restricted conveyancing panel but a lot of lenders allow any solicitors to join their panel so long as they meet their criteria. Each lender sets their own criteria. For example the Pepper Money (UK) conveyancing panel requirements are different to Pepper Money (UK)’s conveyancing panel requirements.
Can I register a complaint to Pepper Money (UK) about the lawyers being on the Pepper Money (UK) conveyancing panel?
There is little point in complaining directly to Pepper Money (UK). All solicitors and conveyancer must have a complaints procedure. Usually one can find this information from the solicitor’s or conveyancer’s website or ask at their office. They must tell you about it if you ask.
The Legal Ombudsman will make sure that your complaint is addressed by the solicitor. It can also advise you how to complain.
If a licensed conveyancer does not have a complaints procedure or will not tell you about it, contact the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC), which will make sure that your complaint is properly dealt with by the conveyancer. Please see below for more information.