Leeds Building Society Solicitor Panel Recently Asked Questions from members of the public
My property lawyer is not listed on the Leeds Building Society Approved Panel. Is it possible for me to continue with my preferred solicitor notwithstanding that they are excluded from the Leeds Building Society list of approved lawyers?
You will need to have a conveyancer complete the legal work required when you take out a Leeds Building Society mortgage to buy your property. They’ll carry out all the necessary legal checks on the property, make sure that you’re properly registered as the owner and ensure that all the necessary mortgage documentation is in place. You can instruct a conveyancing firm of your choice. However, if the firm selected is not a member of the Leeds Building Society conveyancing panel additional costs will be incurred as separate legal representation will be required by Leeds Building Society. Conveyancing panel applications can be submitted, so if your conveyancer has not previously applied for membership they can do so.
I do hope you can help me. My solicitor is informing me me that he is legally obliged to conduct a Local Authority search as the firm are on the Leeds Building Society approved lawyer panel. Is this really necessary?
Unfortunately both you and your lawyer have little choice here. As you are taking a mortgage with Leeds Building Society your lawyer has to comply with their conditions as set out in their version of the CML Conveyancing Handbook. Your lawyer would have previously signed the Terms and Conditions of Leeds Building Society’s conveyancing panel appointment which obliges them to follow the CML Handbook requirements last updated Leeds Building Society. even if you were a cash buyer you would be ill advised not to carry out a local authority search.
Whilst your website is a good idea there are many lawyers listed near London on the Leeds Building Society conveyancing panel. It would be a lot more helpful if you could recommend a specific firm on the conveyancing panel for Leeds Building Society ?
We are not in the business of recommending one firm above another 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 Wales, First time buyers buying with a mortgage (lender is Leeds Building Society , but our solicitor is on the Leeds Building Society conveyancing panel). How long should the conveyancing process take?
The fact that your lawyer is on the Leeds Building Society 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
Is there a list of Leeds Building Society panel conveyancers on the CML Handbook Website?
No. There is no such tool on the Council of Mortgage Lenders or Building Society Association websites. Very few lenders make their panel listings available online.
I previously instructed online conveyancers based in Manchester who are on the Leeds Building Society solicitor panel. They have just invoiced me a separate fee of £175 for the legal aspects of the Leeds Building Society mortgage. Is this a supplemental conveyancing fee specified by Leeds Building Society?
Unfortunately, as long as it is in their Terms and Conditions or Quote then yes your solicitors can charge a fee for this. This fee is not set by Leeds Building Society but by your lawyers. Some firms on the Leeds Building Society will charge an ‘acting for lender’ fee but plenty of firms include it on their overall fee.
I have had an offer accepted on a house I spoke to a conveyancer previously used by my brother and he advised retaining a law firm approved by Leeds Building Society. The estate agent recommended two local firms so I asked Leeds Building Society if the 2 suggested solicitors are approved, which they are not. Leeds Building Society suggested that either practice can fill out the appropriate forms to become approved. Do I (1) save myself the aggravation and use one of Leeds Building Society '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 Leeds Building Society to suggest a law firm in your location. 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 Leeds Building Society 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 Leeds Building Society conveyancing panel as it may only take about 2-3 weeks. As long as they meet Leeds Building Society’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.