Examples of recent questions relating to the Handelsbanken Conveyancing Panel from members of the public
Is the fact that my solicitor is not isted on the Handelsbanken Conveyancing panel that there is a problem with the standard of his conveyancing?
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 Handelsbanken.
My solicitor has informed me that he requires proof of ID documents stating that this is part of his requirements as a conveyancer on the Handelsbanken Solicitor panel. This is news to me - can I refuse?
Anti-terror and anti-money-laundering rules require solicitors and licensed conveyancers to verify the identity of the person or body they are dealing with before they can accept their conveyancing business. The Client Care letter that you need to sign will no doubt confirm this. Your lawyer is right that Handelsbanken also require certain documents to be viewed. If a you refuse to provide ID verification documents, your conveyancer would not be able to accept instructions from you. Your lawyer also has obligations to obtain certain documents in accordance with Handelsbanken CML Handbook requirements last updated on Handelsbanken
Whilst your website is a good idea there are many lawyers listed near Middlesbrough on the Handelsbanken conveyancing panel. Can you recommend a specific firm on the Handelsbanken approved panel?
We do not recommend specific firms 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..
We're in London, First timers purchasing with a mortgage (lender is Handelsbanken , but our lawyer is on the Handelsbanken conveyancing panel). How long should the conveyancing process take?
The fact that your lawyer is on the Handelsbanken conveyancing panel is a help. It would almost certainly delay matters if they were not. However, no conveyancer should guarantee a time-frame for your conveyancing due to third parties outside of our control such as delays caused by lenders,conveyancing search providers or by the other side’s solicitors. The time taken is often determined by the number of parties in a chain
For 5 years I had a mortgage with Handelsbanken. My grandfather has just retired and wants to pay off the mortgage left on the property. After Handelsbanken is paid, I want to transfer the property to my mother's name; How long does the process take? Do we need two separate solicitors on the Handelsbanken conveyancing panel? I do not intend to live at the property once the Handelsbanken mortgage is discharged.
You
will need a solicitor but they need not be on the Handelsbanken conveyancing panel.
You will need a solicitor to draw up the transfer and
to deal with the Land Registry formalities. The only thing you need to
consider is that by selling at an undervalue so ask your lawyer about
the implications. There could be an inheritance tax issue if you die
within 7 years of this. There's no capital gains tax for you as it is
your main residence.
Can I register a complaint to Handelsbanken about the lawyers being on the Handelsbanken conveyancing panel?
There is little point in complaining directly to Handelsbanken. All solicitors and conveyancer must have a complaints procedure. Usually one can find this information from the solicitor’s or conveyancer’s website or ask at their office. They must tell you about it if you ask.
The Legal Ombudsman will make sure that your complaint is properly dealt with by the solicitor. It can also advise you how to complain.
If a licensed conveyancer does not have a complaints procedure or will not tell you about it, contact the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC), which will make sure that your complaint is properly dealt with by the conveyancer. Please see below for more information.
It is not clear whether my mortgage offer obliges me to make sure the lease term for the flat is extended prior to the completion date . I have telephoned Handelsbanken on numerous occasions and told it wasn't a problem and they would lend. My solicitor - who is on the Handelsbanken conveyancing panel- telephoned and was told not they would not lend in accordance with their CML Handbook minimum lease term requirements. Who do I believe?
Your lawyer has to follow the CML Handbook Part 2 requirements for Handelsbanken. Unless your lawyer obtains specific confirmation in writing that Handelsbanken 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 Handelsbanken to contact your lawyer in writing confirming that they will accept the remaining number of years left on the lease.