Ecology Building Society Conveyancing Panel : Questions and Answers from members of the public
We are buying a 3 bedroom flat in Leeds with a mortgage from Ecology Building Society. We like our lawyer but Ecology Building Society says she’s not on their "panel". We have to appoint one of the Ecology Building Society panel firms or keep our solicitor and pay for one of their panel ones to represent them. We feel as though this is unjust; Can we not simply insist that Ecology Building Society use our lawyer?
Unfortunately,no. The mortgage offered to you is subject to its terms and conditions, one of which will be that lawyers will on the Ecology Building Society conveyancing panel. Until recently, most lenders had large numbers of law firms on their panels: a borrower could choose one for themselves, as long as it was on the lender's panel. The lender would then simply instruct the borrower's lawyers to act for the lender, too. You can use your lender's panel lawyers or you could borrow from another lender which does not restrict your choice. A further alternative is for your lawyer to apply to be on the conveyancing panel for Ecology Building Society
Please assist. For no fault of my lawyer but, my purchase conveyancing has been going on for months. The Local Authority Search from Ecology Building Society was issued 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 solicitor has advised that as she is on the Ecology Building Society conveyancing panel she needs to reorder the searches as they are now out of date.
A precondition to being on the Ecology Building Society approved panel is to comply with the CML Handbook Part 2 obligations (last updated for this lender on Ecology Building Society)which specifies 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 Ecology Building Society.
I am looking for conveyancing quotes online. Can I be assured that all the firms that are identified on your website are on the Ecology Building Society conveyancing panel?
The solicitor and licensed conveyancing practices listed on our site have advised us that they are on the Ecology Building Society panel and agreed to advise us to take down their listing in the event of removal off of the Ecology Building Society panel. To date we have not been informed by either a bank or a member of the public that the data about a specific firm being on the Ecology Building Society conveyancing panel is not accurate.
My conveyancers in Liverpool have advised me that no longer have my conveyancing file. To assist with my purchase I took out a mortgage with Ecology Building Society. Is it case that being on the Ecology Building Society conveyancing panel they need to have retained the file for a prescribed period?
Different lenders have different requirements but many of the Terms and Conditions of Conveyancing Panel Appointment require the file to be held for a period of 6 years. That being said we have not seen a copy of the Ecology Building Society Conveyancing Panel Terms. It might be worth you contacting Ecology Building Society directly.
Can I be sure that the solicitor on the Ecology Building Society panel is any good?
seeking 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 recommend that you speak with the lawyer handling your conveyancing
We have agreed a price on a flat I spoke to a lawyer recommended by my mum and he advised using a solicitor approved by Ecology Building Society. The estate agent recommended two local firms so I asked Ecology Building Society if the 2 suggested solicitors are approved, which they are not. Ecology Building Society pointed out that either firm can fill out the appropriate forms to become approved. Do I (1) save myself the aggravation and use one of Ecology Building Society 's conveyancing panel solicitors (2) Use the local solicitor and accept there may be delays etc as they go through the approval process.
Enquire of Ecology Building Society to suggest a law firm in your location. Most banks have lawyers on their panel throughout the UK. You can also use our search tool at the top of this page to search for a lawyer on the Ecology Building Society conveyancing panel based on location. If you particularly like the sound of one of the local lawyers that you have spoken to ask them if they would go onto Ecology Building Society conveyancing panel as it may only take about 2-3 weeks. As long as they meet Ecology Building Society’s requirements it can be a very simple job for the solicitor. Other stuff will be going on in parallel (as you are at an early stage) so it may not delay matters.
I'm in the process of looking at flats and now considering a potential offer. Should I already have a conveyancer appointed at this stage? I will be getting a mortgage with Ecology Building Society
It would be sensible to have your start your search soon rather than later. After you have chosen your lawyer and once your offer is accepted you can instruct them to work for you and pass their details on the the EA. As you are getting a mortgage with Ecology Building Society , ask your prospective lawyers check they are on the Ecology Building Society conveyancing panel otherwise they can't do the mortgage legal work.