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Ready to buy a new home? Failing to check that a lawyer is on the Pepper 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 Pepper Homeloans Conveyancing Panel? How can my firm be reinstated onto the Pepper Homeloans Conveyancing Panel?Find an Approved Solicitor on the Pepper Homeloans Conveyancing Panel
Q and A’s regarding the Pepper Homeloans Conveyancing Panel
I have just been informed by my lender that my property lawyer is not on the Pepper Homeloans Conveyancing panel. What can I do to check?
The first thing you need to do is to contact your conveyancer. It is reasonable to expect your lawyer to advise you of the situation. If they are not on the panel they may recommend you to a firm that is on the conveyancing panel for Pepper Homeloans.
Our conveyancer has identified a defect with the lease for the property we are buying. The other side have offered title insurance as a solution. We are happy with insurance and will cover the costs. Our solicitor says that as he is on the Pepper Homeloans conveyancing panel he must be satisfied that the lender is happy with this solution. Are we the client or is Pepper Homeloans?
The short answer to your last question is that, notwithstanding the potential for a conflict of interest, you and Pepper Homeloans are the client. A precondition to being on the Pepper Homeloans approved panel is to comply with the CML Handbook requirements (last updated for this lender on Pepper Homeloans). The CML Handbook conditions require your lawyer to disclose issues such as defects will the lease so that Pepper Homeloans can be afforded the opportunity to check with their valuer as to the extent that the value of the property is affected . 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 directory have online case tracking as I was under the impression that this was a precondition of being on the Pepper Homeloans conveyancing 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 am considering applying for a Pepper Homeloans mortgage for purchase of a newly converted (under development) with 60% loan to value. Is it compulsory to choose a solicitor on the conveyancing panel for Pepper Homeloans?
There is nothing to stop you using your solicitor but Pepper Homeloans will insist on their interests being represented by a firm on their conveyancing panel. There is greater potential for delays and confusion with two solicitors involved, and it will undoubtedly be more expensive too.
I have decided to exercise my right to buy my property off the council. I have a mortgage agreed with Pepper Homeloans. Conveyancing is not something I have any knowledge of. 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 Pepper Homeloans you will need to appoint a solicitor on the Pepper Homeloans conveyancing panel.
I can not work out if my mortgage offer requires a lease extension . I have called Pepper Homeloans on numerous occasions and told it wasn't a problem and they would lend. My solicitor - who is on the Pepper Homeloans conveyancing panel- telephoned and was told not they would not lend in accordance with their CML Handbook minimum lease term requirements. Who do I believe?
Your lawyer has to follow the CML Handbook Part 2 requirements for Pepper Homeloans. Unless your lawyer obtains specific confirmation in writing that Pepper Homeloans 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 Pepper Homeloans to contact your lawyer in writing confirming that they will accept the remaining number of years left on the lease.
I am selling my apartment. I had a double glazing fitted in month 8 but did not receive a FENSA certificate or Building Regulation Certificate. My buyer's lender, Pepper Homeloans are being pedantic. The solicitor who is on the Pepper Homeloans conveyancing panel is saying indemnity insurance will be fine but Pepper Homeloans are requiring a building regulation certificate. Why do Pepper Homeloans have a conveyancing panel of they don’t accept advice from them?
It is probably the case that Pepper Homeloans have referred the matter to their valuer. The reason why Pepper Homeloans may not want to accept indemnity insurance is because it does not give them any reassurance that the double glazing correctly and safely installed. It merely protects against enforcement action which is very unlikely anyway.
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Transfer of Equity for Pepper HomeloansPlease note that Lexsure Ltd is in no way associated with nor affiliated with Lexsure Solicitors