Find a Law Firm
approved by Topaz Finance
Ready to buy a new home? Failing to check that a lawyer is on the Topaz Finance list of approved solicitors can put your transaction at risk of delay or failure.
Find an Approved Solicitor on the Topaz Finance plc Conveyancing Panel
Examples of recent questions relating to the Topaz Finance Solicitor Panel
Am I correct in assuming that the fact that my conveyancer is not isted on the Topaz Finance Solicitor panel that there is a problem with the quality of her conveyancing?
That would more than likely be a wrong assumption to make. There are all sorts of perfectly reasonable explanations. A recent report by the solicitors regulator indicated 76% of law firms surveyed had been removed from at least one lender panel. The top 3 reasons are as follows: (1) lack of transactions (2) the lawyer is a sole practitioner (3) as part of the HSBC panel reduction (4) regulatory contact by SRA (5) accidental removal. If you are concerned you should simply call the firm and ask them why they are no longer on the approved list for Topaz Finance.
Can you help?. My lawyer is not to blame but, my purchase conveyancing has been going on for months. The Local Authority Search from Topaz Finance was date stamped random date and we have agreed a date for me to move into the property on 10 days inc Day of week eg. Mon. My lawyer informs me that as she is on the Topaz Finance conveyancing panel she needs to reorder the searches as they are no longer valid.
One of the many conditions to being on the Topaz Finance approved panel is to comply with the CML Handbook requirements (last updated for this lender on Topaz Finance)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 Topaz Finance.
I need to find a Topaz Finance panel solicitor in Stirling. Can you assist?
It is not clear why you need a Topaz Finance panel solicitor but in any event, if you can not find one on our search tool you will need to speak directly to Topaz Finance to find out which solicitors in Topaz Finance 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 purchasing a semi-detached house and getting a mortgage with Topaz Finance. How practical is it for me to do the conveyancing?
Leaving aside the complexities and merits of DIY conveyancing you will have to appoint a solicitor on the Topaz Finance conveyancing panel to look after their interests. Most people therefore find it easier to let the solicitor act for them and the lender. Furthermore there is minimal cost savings to made in you doing to conveyancing for yourself and another lawyer conducting the conveyancing for the lender. Please feel free to use the search tool to find a lawyer on the Topaz Finance conveyancing panel in your location.
Do most banks 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 Topaz Finance conveyancing panel requirements are different to Topaz Finance’s conveyancing panel criteria.
I have today made my last payment due on mortgage with Topaz Finance. I assume I don't need a solicitor on the Topaz Finance panel to remove the mortgage at the Land Registry. Please confirm
If you have finished paying off your Topaz Finance mortgage they may send you evidence showing that you have paid it off. Alternatively they may notify the Land Registry directly. The Land Registry need to see this evidence before they will remove the Topaz Finance mortgage from the register. Topaz Finance,and any evidence they send you, will determine the action you need to take. In cases where no conveyancer is acting for you and you have paid off your mortgage:
but are not moving to another property
where the Topaz Finance has sent the Land Registry the discharge electronically, and
the Topaz Finance has instructed the Land Registry to do so
The Land Registry will send you a letter confirming that your Topaz Finance mortgage has been paid off.
Completion of my remortgage has taken place with a loan from Topaz Finance. Conveyancing was of an acceptable standard but I would like to complain about Topaz Finance. How do I make a complaint?
All lenders have complaints procedures. Your first port of call should be one of the Topaz Finance branches or the Customer Care Department at Topaz Finance head office. In most cases complaints to Topaz Finance are sorted out very quickly. If you feel that the matter is not resolved you can write to the
Financial Ombudsman Service who will take matters further.