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 should I instruct my family lawyer. How good are the Hampden conveyancing panel solicitors? I'm happy to use any solicitor in the country TBH provided that they are good and reasonably priced. Would you recommend a specific law firm on the Hampden panel?
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.
Expecting to complete my purchase next Tuesday. My conveyancing lawyer has asked me to provide him with a copy of the building insurance for the house as as he informs me that he is duty bound to validate that it is in order for Hampden. What does the insurance need to cover?
All property lawyers 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 have been searching for competitive conveyancing fees. Can I be assured that all the practices that are listed on your website 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 mortgage company or a member of the public that the data about a specific firm being on the Hampden conveyancing panel is incorrect.
I am selling my house. 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.
How can we tell if a solicitor on the Hampden panel is any good?
seeking recommendations is a sensible 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 carrying out your conveyancing
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 into my local branch Hampden on numerous occasions and was told they are content with the situation and they would lend. My solicitor - who is on the Hampden 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 Hampden. Unless your lawyer obtains specific confirmation in writing that Hampden 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 Hampden to contact your lawyer in writing confirming that they will accept the remaining number of years left on the lease.
Hampden have agreed my mortgage in principle, my offer on house has been accepted, now what?
The estate agent will want to know who your solicitors are (make sure these solicitors are on the lenders panel). Call up Hampden or your broker and complete any relevant paperwork. Hampden will tell you what documents they want. Hampden will instruct a valuer. The valuer will get in touch with the estate agent or seller to book an appointment. Once conducted (assuming no problems) it takes about week to get a mortgage offer. Hampden will issue the offer to you and your lawyer. The transaction will then take it’s course according the nature and complexity of the conveyancing.