FAQs : The Ecology Building Society Solicitor Panel from members of the public
My fiance and I are buying a 1 bedroom flat in Hackney with a mortgage from Ecology Building Society. We have a lawyer but Ecology Building Society says she’s not on their "panel". We have to appoint one of the Ecology Building Society panel solicitors or keep our solicitor and pay for one of their panel ones to represent them. We feel as though this is unjust; is there anything we can do?
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
My grandson is buying a new build apartment with a mortgage from Ecology Building Society. His conveyancer has advised him of a delay in receiving the ‘Disclosure of Incentive Form’. Who needs to receive the form?
The form is intended to provide information to the main parties engaged in the purchase. Therefore, it will be provided to your son’s lawyer who should be on the Ecology Building Society conveyancing panel as a standard part of the process, and to the valuer when requested.
The Developer will be required to start the process by downloading the form and completing it.
The form will therefore need to be available for the valuer at the time of his or her site visit. The form should be sent to the Ecology Building Society conveyancing panel solicitor as early as possible, in order to avoid any last minute delays, and no later than at exchange of contracts.
Whilst your website is a good idea there are many lawyers listed near Manchester on the Ecology Building Society conveyancing panel. Can you recommend a specific firm on the Ecology Building Society approved panel?
We do not recommend specific firms as the right firm for you depends on where your priorities lie. For example you may require a local firm with local knowledge or you might be looking for the low cost conveyancing. Before you appoint your lawyer we advise you to speak to two or three of the firms listed to gain comfort as to which one is right for you..
I am considering applying for a Ecology Building Society mortgage for purchase of a new build (under development) with 65 per cent LTV. Is it compulsory to choose a solicitor on the conveyancing panel for Ecology Building Society?
In theory, you could use a solicitor that is not on Ecology Building Society conveyancing panel, but Ecology Building Society would require one of their panel solicitors to be instructed to act in their interests, and you'd have to pay for this - so most people instruct a panel solicitor. It's also easier, as otherwise you'd have to deal with two solicitors for the same conveyancing matter.
We are getting a further advance on our mortgage from Ecology Building Society as we wish to carry out a loft conversion to our home. Do we need to appoint a solicitor on the Ecology Building Society conveyancing panel to deal with the paperwork?
Ecology Building Society would not normally appoint firms on their approved list of lawyers to deal with such a matter. If they did require any legal work then you would need to ensure that such a lawyer was on the Ecology Building Society list
The for formalities of my remortgage has taken place with a mortgage from Ecology Building Society. Conveyancing was of an acceptable standard but I feel I should register my dissatisfaction about Ecology Building Society. How does one go about formally complaining?
Most banks and building societies have complaints procedures. Your first point of contact should be one of the Ecology Building Society branches or the Customer Services Team at Ecology Building Society head office. In most cases complaints to Ecology Building Society are resolved effectively and efficiently. If you feel that the matter is not resolved you can write to the
Financial Ombudsman Service who will take matters further.
I have instructed a lawyer having checked that they are on the Ecology Building Society conveyancing panel. Does my lawyer arrange the survey of the property?
Or
I've read lots of house buying,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 Ecology Building Society conveyancing panel - on this she said they don't do this and I need to contract an independent surveyor. Is that normal?
Ecology Building Society will need an independent valuation of the property. Your lawyer will not arrange this. Usually Ecology Building Society 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.
or
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 Ecology Building Society you could contact your them to see if they have a list of approved surveyors.