FAQs : The Hampden Conveyancing Panel from members of the public
My Conveyancer is not on the Hampden Approved Panel. Is it possible for me to retain my preferred solicitor notwithstanding that they are not on the Hampden panel of approved conveyancing solicitors?
The most common options here are as follows:
- Complete the purchase with your existing solicitors but Hampden will need to instruct a lawyer on the Hampden conveyancing panel. This will result in additional cost and potential delay.
- Get a new solicitor to act in the purchase, obviously checking they are on the Hampden conveyancing panel.
- Convince your lawyer to do everything within their powers to join the Hampden conveyancing panel
Expecting to move into my new home next Thursday. I have now been asked to send a copy of my building insurance schedule by my solicitor as as he informs me that he is duty bound to validate that it is in order for Hampden. What risks do Hampden expect the insurance 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 requirements.
I am Googling for competitive conveyancing fees. Can I be confident that all the firms that are listed on your directory are on the Hampden conveyancing panel?
The law firms on our directory have assured us via an online form that they are on the Hampden panel and agreed to advise us to take down their listing in the event of removal off of the Hampden panel. To date we have not been informed by either a bank or a member of the public that the data about a specific firm being on the Hampden conveyancing panel is not accurate.
My conveyancers in Liverpool have advised me that they can not locate my conveyancing file. At the time of my purchase I took out a mortgage with Hampden. Is it case that being on the Hampden conveyancing panel they need to have retained the file for a prescribed period?
It very much depends from lender to lender but many of the Terms and Conditions of Conveyancing Panel Appointment require the file to be held for a period of 6 years. That being said we have not seen a copy of the Hampden Conveyancing Panel Terms. It might be worth you contacting Hampden directly.
How can we tell if a solicitor on the Hampden panel is any good?
Getting recommendations is a good start. Before you go ahead check if they offer a no sale no fee offer. Also you often get what you pay for - a firm which quotes more will often provide a better service than one which is cheap as chips. We would always advocate that you speak with the solicitor handling your transaction
My brother and I have agreed a price on a apartment I spoke to a conveyancer recommended by my dad and he recommended retaining a property lawyers approved by Hampden. The estate agent recommended two local firms so I asked Hampden if the 2 suggested solicitors are approved, which they are not. Hampden pointed out that either practice can fill out the appropriate forms to become approved. Do I (1) save myself the aggravation and use one of Hampden 's conveyancing panel solicitors (2) Use the local solicitor and accept there may be delays etc as they go through the approval process.
Enquire of Hampden for conveyancing panel firms in your area. Lenders have them all over the country. You can also use our search tool at the top of this page to search for a lawyer on the Hampden conveyancing panel based on location. If you particularly like the sound of one of the local lawyers that you have spoken to ask them if they would go onto Hampden conveyancing panel as it may only take about 2-3 weeks. As long as they meet Hampden’s requirements it can be a very simple job for the solicitor. Other stuff will be going on in parallel (as you are at an early stage) so it may not delay matters.
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 mortgage company, Hampden are being difficult. The solicitor who is on the Hampden conveyancing panel is recommending indemnity insurance as a solution but Hampden are requiring a building regulation certificate. Why do Hampden have a conveyancing panel of they don’t accept advice from them?
It is probably the case that Hampden have referred the matter to their valuer. The reason why Hampden 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.
