Examples of recent questions relating to the Bradford & Bingley Solicitor Panel
from members of the public
On what basis would a firm of solicitors be removed from the Bradford & Bingley solicitor panel?
According to a recent survey report by the solicitors regulator three quarters of solicitor practices had been excluded from a lender panel. The most common reasons in order are :
- lack of transactions
- the lawyer is a sole practitioner
- as part of the HSBC panel reduction
- regulatory contact by SRA
- accidental removal. We are not aware of the specific or common criteria for removal by Bradford & Bingley
I am due to complete my purchase next Friday. I have now been asked to send a copy of my building insurance schedule by my solicitor as as he informs me that he is duty bound to validate that it is in order for Bradford & Bingley. What does the insurance need to cover?
Any lawyer on the Bradford & Bingley conveyancing panel would need to check that the following risks are covered fire; lightning; aircraft; explosion; earthquake; storm; flood; escape of water or oil; riot; malicious damage; theft or attempted theft; falling trees and branches and aerials; subsidence; heave;landslip;collision;accidental damage to underground services;professional fees, demolition and site clearance costs; and public liability to anyone else. There are some other issues such as the level of excess that are set out in Bradford & Bingley’s Part 2 requirements of the CML Handbook (last updated on Bradford & Bingley). Being on the Bradford & Bingley conveyancing panel your lawyer is expect to follow these requirements.
I have checked your search tool I can't find the lawyer I was hoping to instruct as being on the Bradford & Bingley conveyancing panel. My lawyer has said that they are on the Bradford & Bingley approved panel. How can I be sure given that they are not listed on your directory?
Not all firms are yet listed on our lender panel search tool which is still relatively new. Law firms are listing on a daily basis and it is probably the case that your lawyer is on the Bradford & Bingley conveyancing lawyer and you should probably take them at their word. Please do feel free to suggest that they completing their listing on our site as it would only cost them £1 a month to list themselves as being on the Bradford & Bingley solicitor panel.
I am considering applying for a Bradford & Bingley mortgage for purchase of a new build (under development) with 65 per cent loan to value. Is it compulsory to choose a solicitor on the conveyancing panel for Bradford & Bingley?
There is nothing to stop you using your solicitor but Bradford & Bingley 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.
Is there a list of Bradford & Bingley panel solicitors on the CML Handbook Website?
No. There is no such tool on the Council of Mortgage Lenders or Building Society Association websites. Very few lenders make their panel listings available online.
We have agreed to purchase a house.One unusual aspect is that the roof has a solar panel. Bradford & Bingley have issued a mortgage offer so presumably this is not a concern to them. Why is my solicitor raising questions about the panel?
Given that you are obtaining a mortgage with Bradford & Bingley your lawyer must to check the Bradford & Bingley conveyancing instructions contained in the Part of CML Handbook for Bradford & Bingley . The CML Handbook contains minimum requirements for solar panel roof-space leases, and solicitors are required to report to Bradford & Bingley where a lease does not meet these requirements. The requirements relate to the installation of panels on properties in England and Wales. The CML are developing guidance for Northern Ireland and Scotland.
I am currently in the process of buying my council flat. I have a mortgage agreed with Bradford & Bingley. 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 use 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 Bradford & Bingley you will need to appoint a solicitor on the Bradford & Bingley conveyancing panel.