Q and A’s regarding the Fleet Mortgages Conveyancing Panel from members of the public
Am I correct in assuming that the fact that my solicitor is not isted on the Fleet Mortgages Conveyancing panel that there is a problem with the standard of the firm’s work?
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 most common reasons for removal are: (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 Fleet Mortgages.
Our conveyancer has identified a defect with the lease for the property we are buying. The other side have suggested defective title insurance as a solution. We are content with insurance and will cover the costs. Our solicitor has advised that as he is on the Fleet Mortgages conveyancing panel he must be satisfied that the lender is happy with this solution. Who is the client here, us or Fleet Mortgages?
Just because you have a mortgage offer from Fleet Mortgages does not mean to say that the property will be meet their requirements for the purposes of a mortgage. Your lawyer has to ensure that the lease has to comply with the CML Handbook Requirements. You and Fleet Mortgages are the client. The appropriate lender requirements have to be complied with by the Fleet Mortgages conveyancing panel who has to balance acting for you and Fleet Mortgages
I require the services of a Fleet Mortgages panel solicitor in Stirling. Could you help me?
It is not clear why you need a Fleet Mortgages panel solicitor but in any event, if you can not find one on our search tool you will need to speak directly to Fleet Mortgages to find out which solicitors in Fleet Mortgages 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
My aunt passed away last year and as sole heir and executor was left the property. The house had a relatively small loan left on it of around £5k. I want to transfer the title deeds into my name whilst I re-mortgage to Fleet Mortgages , pay off the mortgage etc. Is this possible?
If you intend to re-mortgage then Fleet Mortgages will insist on your using a conveyancer on the Fleet Mortgages conveyancing panel. Here is link to the Land Registry online guidance around what to do when a property owner dies. This will help you to understand the registration process behind changing the details re the registered title. in your case it would appear that you are effectively purchasing the property from the estate. Your Fleet Mortgages conveyancing panel solicitor pays the new mortgage money into the estate, the estate pays off the old mortgage, the charge is released and you become the owner and the Fleet Mortgages mortgage is registered as a charge at the Land Registry.
My wife and I have arranged a further advance on our mortgage from Fleet Mortgages as we wish to carry out alterations or improvements our home. Do we need to appoint a solicitor on the Fleet Mortgages conveyancing panel to deal with the paperwork?
Fleet Mortgages would not normally instruct 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 Fleet Mortgages panel
I am currently in the process of buying my council flat. I have a mortgage agreed with Fleet Mortgages. Conveyancing is new to me. Can I proceed without a solicitor easily? I think we can but we keep being told I should have 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 Fleet Mortgages you will need to appoint a solicitor on the Fleet Mortgages conveyancing panel.
After much negotiation I have agreed a price on an apartment. My mortgage broker suggested a solicitor I paid an upfront payment of 175. Soon after the conveyancers contacted me sheepishly admitting that they were not on the Fleet Mortgages conveyancing panel. Am I right in thinking that I should be due a refund?
You should be able to recover this from the law firm if they were not on the Fleet Mortgages panel. They should have asked at the outset which lender you were obtaining a mortgage with. An important lesson to readers of this site is to check that the lawyers are on the appropriate lender panel.
