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approved by Scottish Widows
Ready to buy a new home? Failing to check that a lawyer is on the Scottish Widows 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 Scottish Widows Bank plc Conveyancing Panel? How can my firm be reinstated onto the Scottish Widows Bank plc Conveyancing Panel?Find an Approved Solicitor on the Scottish Widows Bank plc Conveyancing Panel
Scottish Widows Solicitor Panel Recently Asked Questions
My IFA has has requested my lawyer’ panel member for the Scottish Widows conveyancing panel. What is the best way to find this out. I have called my local Scottish Widows office but they cant find it on their system.
You are best placed to get this information from your conveyancing lawyer. A law firm is likely to keep a file or database of lender panel information which would include, if applicable their conveyancing panel details for Scottish Widows.
Can you clarify something for me?. For no fault of my lawyer but, my purchase conveyancing has been going on for months. The Local Authority Search from Scottish Widows was dated random date and we have agreed a date for me to move into the property on 6. My solicitor has advised that as she is on the Scottish Widows conveyancing panel she needs to redo the searches as they are now out of date.
One of the many conditions to being on the Scottish Widows approved panel is to comply with the CML Handbook requirements (last updated for this lender on Scottish Widows)which states that a local authority search be not more than half a year old. You should nevertheless ask your lawyer to check whether something called ‘search validation’ indemnity insurance is acceptable to Scottish Widows.
I need to find a Scottish Widows panel solicitor in Inverness. Can you assist?
It is not clear why you need a Scottish Widows panel solicitor but in any event, if you can not find one on our search tool you will need to speak directly to Scottish Widows to find out which solicitors in Scottish Widows are on their panel. If you do find such a firm not listed please direct them to our site to list. At a fee of one pound per month it is not expensive to register on the site
I am considering applying for a Scottish Widows mortgage for purchase of a new build (under development) with 60% loan to value. Is it compulsory to choose a solicitor on the conveyancing panel for Scottish Widows?
There is nothing to stop you using your solicitor but Scottish Widows will insist on their interests being represented by a firm on their conveyancing panel. There is much more potential for delays and confusion with an additional lawyer added to the mix, and it will undoubtedly be more expensive too.
I was thinking of purchasing my friend’s property. Assuming we can agree a figure, what’s the best way to proceed? I hope to get a mortgage with Scottish Widows. Is there anyway to cut out the solicitors to save us both money? My dad reckons back in the day he did a lot of it himself, just went into the land registry office and providing them with the info they needed himself
If you are getting a mortgage with Scottish Widows involved you will need to appoint a solicitor on the Scottish Widows conveyancing panel. We would not encourage you to both use the same solicitors' firm. There are clear conflict of interest issues and it's not going to make a huge difference to the speed of the overall process. So as not to hold things us you should pass on your solicitors details to Scottish Widows. Feel free to use our search tool to look for a licensed conveyancer or solicitor on the Scottish Widows 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 Scottish Widows on various occasions and told it wasn't a problem and they would lend. My solicitor - who is on the Scottish Widows 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
Your lawyer has to follow the CML Handbook Part 2 requirements for Scottish Widows. Unless your lawyer obtains specific confirmation in writing that Scottish Widows 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 Scottish Widows to contact your lawyer in writing confirming that they will accept the remaining number of years left on the lease.
After shopping around on the internet I have found a solicitor having checked that they are on the Scottish Widows conveyancing panel. Does my lawyer arrange the survey of the property?
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I've read lots of mortgage guides,I note that they all recommend that you should get your house surveyed prior to buying it. When I asked my solicitor - who is on the Scottish Widows conveyancing panel - on this she said they don't do this and I need to contract an independent surveyor. Is that normal?
Scottish Widows will need an independent valuation of the property. Your lawyer will not arrange this. Usually Scottish Widows 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 Scottish Widows you could contact your them to see if they have a list of approved surveyors.
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Transfer of Equity for Scottish WidowsPlease note that Lexsure Ltd is in no way associated with nor affiliated with Lexsure Solicitors