Hodge Life Conveyancing Panel Recently Asked Questions from members of the public
Is the fact that my conveyancer is not isted on the Hodge Life Conveyancing panel that there is a problem with the standard of the firm’s 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 Hodge Life.
My solicitor has requested from me identification documents saying that this forms part of his obligations as a conveyancer on the Hodge Life Conveyancing panel. Can you confirm whether this is the case?
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 Hodge Life 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 Hodge Life CML Handbook requirements last updated on Hodge Life
Are the lawyers identified as being on the Hodge Life conveyancing panel, together with their details provided by Hodge Life?
The firms themselves provide us confirmation that they are on the Hodge Life conveyancing panel as opposed to being supplied with a list from Hodge Life directly.
I am attempting to get my ex-wife removed the mortgage deeds. Can Hodge Life really tell me which solicitor I can or can not use?
You can use any solicitor you like but Hodge Life then has the right to appoint a different solicitor to act for them at your expense. It might be more cost effective and quicker to instruct a lawyer who is on the Hodge Life solicitors panel
We have agreed a price on a flat I spoke to a conveyancer previously used by my brother and he advised using a property lawyers approved by Hodge Life. The estate agent recommended two local firms so I asked Hodge Life if the 2 suggested solicitors are approved, which they are not. Hodge Life pointed out that either firm can fill out the appropriate forms to become approved. Do I (1) save myself the aggravation and use one of Hodge Life 's conveyancing panel solicitors (2) Use the local solicitor and accept there may be delays etc as they go through the approval process.
Ask Hodge Life for conveyancing panel firms in your area. Most banks have lawyers on their panel throughout the UK. You can also use our search tool at the top of this page to search for a lawyer on the Hodge Life 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 Hodge Life conveyancing panel as it may only take about 2-3 weeks. As long as they meet Hodge Life’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 have today made my last payment due on mortgage with Hodge Life. I assume I don't need a solicitor on the Hodge Life panel to remove the mortgage at the Land Registry. Am I right?
If you have finished paying off your Hodge Life mortgage they may send you evidence showing that you have paid it off. Alternatively they may notify the Land Registry directly. The Land Registry need to see this evidence before they will remove the Hodge Life mortgage from the register. Hodge Life,and any evidence they send you, will determine the action you need to take. In cases where no conveyancer is acting for you and you have paid off your mortgage:
but are not moving to another property
where the Hodge Life has sent the Land Registry the discharge electronically, and
the Hodge Life has instructed the Land Registry to do so
The Land Registry will send you a letter confirming that your Hodge Life mortgage has been paid off.
I am due to exchange contracts on my apartment. I had a double glazing fitted in month 7 but did not receive a FENSA certificate or Building Regulation Certificate. My buyer's lender, Hodge Life are being pedantic. The solicitor who is on the Hodge Life conveyancing panel is saying indemnity insurance will be fine but Hodge Life are insisting on a building regulation certificate. Why do Hodge Life have a conveyancing panel of they don’t accept advice from them?
It is probably the case that Hodge Life have referred the matter to their valuer. The reason why Hodge Life 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.