FAQs : The Leek BS Solicitor Panel from members of the public
My husband and I are purchasing a 2 bedroom flat in Leeds with a mortgage from Leek BS. We would like to retain our solicitor but Leek BS says she’s not on their "panel". It seems we have little choice but to instruct one of the Leek BS panel solicitors or keep our solicitor and pay for one of their panel ones to represent them. We feel as though this is unjust; is there anything we can do?
Unfortunately,no. The mortgage offered to you is subject to its terms and conditions, one of which will be that lawyers will on the Leek BS conveyancing panel. Until recently, most lenders had large numbers of law firms on their panels: a borrower could choose one for themselves, as long as it was on the lender's panel. The lender would then simply instruct the borrower's lawyers to act for the lender, too. You can use your lender's panel lawyers or you could borrow from another lender which does not restrict your choice. A further alternative is for your solicitors to apply to be on the conveyancing panel for Leek BS
Please assist. For no fault of my lawyer but, the conveyancing for my house purchase has been going on for months. The Local Authority Search from Leek BS was issued random date and we have agreed a date for me to move into the property on 6 months + 3. My lawyer says that as she is on the Leek BS conveyancing panel she needs to reorder the searches as they are no longer valid.
One of the many conditions to being on the Leek BS approved panel is to comply with the CML Handbook requirements (last updated for this lender on Leek BS)which states that a local authority search be not more than half a year old. You should nevertheless ask your lawyer to check whether something called ‘search validation’ indemnity insurance is acceptable to Leek BS.
I am Googling for competitive conveyancing fees. Can I be confident that all the practices that are identified on your directory are on the Leek BS conveyancing panel?
The solicitor and licensed conveyancing practices on our directory have advised us that they are on the Leek BS panel and agreed to advise us to take down their listing in the event of removal off of the Leek BS 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 Leek BS conveyancing panel is not accurate.
We're in Birmingham, First timers buying with a mortgage (lender is Leek BS , but our lawyer is on the Leek BS conveyancing panel). How long should the conveyancing process take?
The fact that your lawyer is on the Leek BS 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
Can you point me to a directory of Leek BS panel solicitors on the Building Society Association’s 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 am currently in the process of buying my council flat. I have a mortgage offer with Leek BS. Conveyancing is not something I have any knowledge of. Can I proceed without a solicitor easily? I think we can but we keep being told I should use one. Any advice?
It is not advisable proceed with a house purchase without a solicitor. The council's solicitor are not acting for you. You need a solicitor for a number reasons. One of which is to verify what plans the Council have for repairs and refurbishment for the next five years. Many leaseholders have been stung for contributions of thousands of pounds. In any event if you are getting a mortgage with Leek BS you will need to appoint a solicitor on the Leek BS conveyancing panel.
Intending to buy a flat with a mortgage with Leek BS. I have received an online quote from a licensed conveyancer, which states: "There will be no charge for dealing with the Building Society if you are obtaining a mortgage". I take this to mean that there will be no additional fee if the solicitor is on the Leek BS conveyancing panel. I wanted to make sure it means there will be no additional fees for dealing with the mortgage.
They are simply saying that the cost for acting for the lender is included in the fee being quoted. It is worth you checking that they are on the Leek BS conveyancing panel