Common questions asked concerning the Godiva Mortgages Solicitor Panel from members of the public
I was advised recently by my lender that my solicitor is not on the Godiva Mortgages Conveyancing panel. What can I do to be certain that this is indeed the case?
The first thing you need to do is to contact your conveyancer. It is reasonable to expect your lawyer to advise you what has happened. If they are not on the panel they could put your in touch with solicitors on the the approved Godiva Mortgages solicitor panel.
Expecting to complete my purchase next Thursday. I have now been asked to send a copy of my building insurance schedule by my solicitor as he says that he has to check this in has capacity as lawyer for Godiva Mortgages. What does the insurance need to cover?
All property lawyers on the Godiva Mortgages 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 Godiva Mortgages’s Part 2 requirements of the CML Handbook (last updated on Godiva Mortgages). Being on the Godiva Mortgages conveyancing panel your lawyer is expect to follow these instructions.
Whilst your website is a good idea there are many lawyers listed near Chelsea on the Godiva Mortgages conveyancing panel. Can you recommend a specific firm on the Godiva Mortgages approved panel?
We are not in the business of recommending one firm above another 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 selling my house. Does my solicitor have to be on the Godiva Mortgages conveyancing panel in order to deal with redeeming my mortgage?
Ordinarily, even if your lawyer is not on the Godiva Mortgages conveyancing panel they can still act for you on your sale. it might be that the lender will not release the original deeds (if applicable and increasingly irrelevant) until after the mortgage is paid off. You should speak to your lawyer directly before you start the process though to ensure that there is no problem as lenders are changing their requirements fairly frequently at the moment.
We have agreed to purchase a house.One unusual aspect is that the roof has a solar panel. Solicitors conducting should look into this right? Will my lender Godiva Mortgages be concerned
Given that your lender is Godiva Mortgages your lawyer must to check the Godiva Mortgages conveyancing instructions contained in the Part of CML Handbook for Godiva Mortgages . The CML Handbook contains minimum requirements for solar panel roof-space leases, and solicitors are required to report to Godiva Mortgages where a lease does not meet these requirements. The requirements relate to the installation of panels on properties in England and Wales. Requirements for Scotland are due in the near future.
I have a mortgage with Godiva Mortgages. Conveyancing has been completed months ago. In the event that I decide to rent out my property and do not currently have a buy-to-let mortgage do I need to remortgage to a buy-to-let mortgage or inform Godiva Mortgages?
Godiva Mortgages must be informed of your intention in advance of renting your property as this is likely to be a breach of Godiva Mortgages’s mortgage conditions. It may be that Godiva Mortgages will allow you to rent out your former home without needing to switch to a buy-to-let mortgage but some lenders will add a surcharge to your mortgage rate to reflect the higher risk. You should contact Godiva Mortgages directly. It should not be necessary to do this via a Godiva Mortgages conveyancing panel solicitor.
I am due to exchange contracts on my flat. I had a double glazing fitted in month 8 but did not receive a FENSA certificate or Building Regulation Certificate. My purchaser’s lender, Godiva Mortgages are being pedantic. The solicitor who is on the Godiva Mortgages conveyancing panel is recommending indemnity insurance as a solution but Godiva Mortgages are requiring a building regulation certificate. Why do Godiva Mortgages have a conveyancing panel of they don’t accept advice from them?
It is probably the case that Godiva Mortgages have referred the matter to their valuer. The reason why Godiva Mortgages may not want to accept indemnity insurance is because it does not give them any reassurance that the double glazing correctly and safely installed. It merely protects against enforcement action which is very unlikely anyway.
