Q and A’s regarding the First Direct Conveyancing Panel from members of the public
I am hoping to receive a offer of a mortgage from First Direct. I hope to use a Licensed Conveyancer. Does the First Direct Solicitor panel include conveyancers regulated by the CLC
First Direct’s conveyancing panel is, like many other lenders represented by the CML or Building Society Association, open to Licensed Conveyancers regulated by the CLC.
Can you help?. For no fault of my lawyer but, my purchase conveyancing has been going on for months. The Local Authority Search from First Direct was dated random date and we have agreed a date for me to move into the property on 6. My solicitor says that as she is on the First Direct conveyancing panel she needs to redo the searches as they are now out of date.
A precondition to being on the First Direct approved panel is to comply with the CML Handbook Part 2 obligations (last updated for this lender on First Direct)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 First Direct.
Are there any apps to help search for a local solicitor on the First Direct conveyancing panel? I have a car and am prepared to travel up to 10 miles to meet the conveyancer.
Feel free to make use of the find a conveyancing panel tool on this website. Please choose the lender and your location and you will see a number of lawyer located nearest you. Alternatively you can type in the name of your proposed law firm and see if they are listed as being on the First Direct solicitor panel.
I am buying a terraced house and getting a mortgage with First Direct. Can I do my own conveyancing?
Leaving aside the complexities and merits of DIY conveyancing you will have to appoint a solicitor on the First Direct 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 First Direct conveyancing panel in your location.
I have decided to exercise my right to buy my property off the council. I have a mortgage agreed with First Direct. 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 First Direct you will need to appoint a solicitor on the First Direct conveyancing panel.
I can not work out if my mortgage offer obliges me to make sure the lease term for the flat is extended prior to the completion date . I have called First Direct on numerous occasions and told it wasn't a problem and they would lend. My solicitor - who is on the First Direct 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 First Direct. Unless your lawyer obtains specific confirmation in writing that First Direct 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 First Direct to contact your lawyer in writing confirming that they will accept the remaining number of years left on the lease.
My ex -wife’s name is on the First Direct mortgage of my property but not on the land registry. The apartment was transferred to me on our divorce many years ago by way of a sealed court order. Does my ex still have a say on the sale even though the land registry showing the property in my name alone? Will I be required to take her name of the First Direct mortgage in order to sell?
As regards the First Direct mortgage, it is unusual that your ex-wife’s name remains on the mortgage but not on the title. It is conceivable that this is an oversight on the part of your conveyancers to ensure that her name was removed or even an administrative error on the part of First Direct in failing to update their data. In any event, it should cause difficulty providing her name no longer appears on the Land Registry title and you have a court order ordering that the property is transferred to you.