Hampden Conveyancing Panel : Questions and Answers from members of the public
I have been advised by my broker that I have to pay Hampden fees if I use my own solicitor. How efficient are the Hampden conveyancing panel solicitors? I dont care which law firm I use as long as they're good and not exorbitantly priced. Are there any Hampden conveyancers you'd recommend?
Hampden’s conveyancing panel is substantial so it would be advisable to check with the firms you are getting quotes from that they are on the panel. You can search by postcode on the search tool on this site to find solicitors that Hampden will allow to act for them.
I am due to complete my purchase next Friday. 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 Hampden. What does the insurance need to cover?
Any lawyer on the Hampden 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 Hampden’s Part 2 requirements of the CML Handbook (last updated on Hampden). Being on the Hampden conveyancing panel your lawyer is expect to follow these instructions.
I require the services of a Hampden panel solicitor in Stirling. Can you assist?
It is not clear why you need a Hampden panel solicitor but in any event, if you can not find one on our search tool you will need to speak directly to Hampden to find out which solicitors in Hampden 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 house is up for sale and I have a buyer. Does my solicitor have to be on the Hampden conveyancing panel in order to deal with redeeming my mortgage?
Ordinarily, even if your lawyer is not on the Hampden 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.
Do conveyancing lawyers on the Hampden conveyancing panel work on a no move no charge basis?
In the main there are no requirements by lenders for their firms to operate on a no-sale-no-fee basis. There a small number of lenders who operate a very restricted conveyancing panel managed by a third party company (often termed in the industry as a ‘gatekeeper’). That third party may impose certain conditions such as non-sale-no fee on the panel firms. If you require this as a condition of your conveyancing then you should check with the conveyancing firm that this is part of their service
Do most banks operate their own panel of solicitors?
Many lenders do operate a restricted conveyancing panel but a lot of lenders allow any solicitors to join their panel so long as they meet their criteria. Each lender sets their own criteria. For example the Hampden conveyancing panel requirements are different to Hampden’s conveyancing panel requirements.
I am currently in the process of buying my council flat. I have a mortgage agreed with Hampden. 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 Hampden you will need to appoint a solicitor on the Hampden conveyancing panel.
