Mansfield Building Society Conveyancing Panel Recently Asked Questions from members of the public
Is the fact that my conveyancer is not identified on the Mansfield Building Society Solicitor panel that there is a problem with the quality of his work?
It would not be wise to jump to that conclusion. 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 Mansfield Building Society.
Our conveyancer has identified a defect with the lease for the property we are purchasing. The other side have offered defective title insurance as a workaround. We are content with insurance and will pay for it. Our lawyer has advised that as he is on the Mansfield Building Society conveyancing panel he must check that the lender is happy with this solution. Are we the client or is Mansfield Building Society?
Just because you have a mortgage offer from Mansfield Building Society does not mean to say that the property will be meet their requirements for the purposes of a mortgage. Your lawyer has to ensure that the lease has to comply with the CML Handbook Requirements. You and Mansfield Building Society are the client. The appropriate lender requirements have to be complied with by the Mansfield Building Society conveyancing panel who has to balance acting for you and Mansfield Building Society
I am buying a house and require a conveyancing solicitor in London who is on the Mansfield Building Society approved. Could you point me in the right direction as regards a conveyancing firm?
Our service is a directory service for firms who wish to be listed as being on the approved conveyancing panel for Mansfield Building Society . We don’t recommend any particular firm.
Can you clarify what the consequences are if my solicitor is removed from the Mansfield Building Society Solicitor panel before the moving date as agreed at exchange of contracts?
The first thing to point out is that, this is very unlikely to happen. In most cases even where a law firm is removed off of a panel the lender would allow the completion to go ahead as the lender would appreciate the difficulties that they would place you in if you have ti instruct a new solicitor days before completion. In a worst case scenario where the lender insists that you instruct a new firm then it is possible for a very good lawyer to expedite the conveyancing albeit that you may pay a significant premium for this. The analogous situation is where a buyer instructs a lawyer, exchanges contracts and the law firm is shut down by the regulator such as the SRA. Again, in this situation you can find lawyers who can troubleshoot their way to bring the conveyancing to a satisfactory conclusion - albeit for a fee.
Can I be sure that the solicitor on the Mansfield Building Society panel is any good?
obtaining recommendations is a good starting point. 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 conducting your conveyancing
My husband and I are spending time looking at houses and am about to put in an offer. Is it premature to have a solicitor in place? I intend to finance via a mortgage with Mansfield Building Society
It would be sensible to have your start your search soon rather than later. Once you decide who you want to use and once your offer is accepted you can instruct them to work for you and pass their details on the the estate agent. As you are getting a mortgage with Mansfield Building Society , ask your prospective lawyers check they are on the Mansfield Building Society conveyancing panel otherwise they can't do the mortgage legal work.
I am currently in the process of buying my council flat. I have a mortgage offer with Mansfield Building Society. 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 Mansfield Building Society you will need to appoint a solicitor on the Mansfield Building Society conveyancing panel.