Q and A’s regarding the National Westminster Bank Solicitor Panel
from members of the public
It has come to my attention via my financial adviser that my property lawyer is not on the National Westminster Bank Solicitor panel. How can I be certain that this is indeed the case?
The first thing you need to do is to contact your lawyer directly. It is reasonable to expect your lawyer to advise you of the situation. If they are not on the panel they could put your in touch with solicitors on the conveyancing panel for National Westminster Bank.
My conveyancer has identified an inconsistency when comparing the surveyor’s assumptions in National Westminster Bank’s valuation survey and what is in the legal papers for the property. My lawyer says that as he is on the National Westminster Bank conveyancing panel he must check that the bank is happy with this discrepancy and is content go ahead. Is my conveyancer’s stance right?
A precondition to being on the National Westminster Bank approved panel is to comply with the CML Handbook requirements (last updated for this lender on National Westminster Bank) which do require that your lawyer disclose any incorrect assumptions in the lender’s valuation report and the legal papers. Should you refuse to allow your lawyer to make the appropriate notification then your lawyer will have no choice but to discontinue acting for you.
Your search tool is useful but there are many lawyers listed near Coventry on the National Westminster Bank conveyancing panel. Can you recommend a specific firm on the conveyancing panel for National Westminster Bank ?
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..
My aunt passed away last year and as sole heir and executor was left the house. The house had a relatively small loan remaining of approximately £4500. I want to transfer the title deeds into my name whilst I re-mortgage to National Westminster Bank , pay off the mortgage etc. Is this possible?
If you intend to re-mortgage then National Westminster Bank will insist on your using a conveyancer on the National Westminster Bank conveyancing panel. Here is link to the Land Registry online guidance around what to do when a property owner dies. This will help you to understand the registration process behind changing the details re the registered title. in your case it would appear that you are effectively purchasing the property from the estate. Your National Westminster Bank conveyancing panel solicitor pays the new mortgage money into the estate, the estate pays off the old mortgage, the charge is released and you become the owner and the National Westminster Bank mortgage is registered as a charge at the Land Registry.
Is there a list of National Westminster Bank 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 have decided to exercise my right to buy my property off the council. I have a mortgage agreed with National Westminster Bank. Conveyancing is new to me. 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 National Westminster Bank you will need to appoint a solicitor on the National Westminster Bank conveyancing panel.
I have instructed a lawyer having checked that they are on the National Westminster Bank conveyancing panel. Does my lawyer arrange the survey of the property?
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I've digested plenty of mortgage guides,I note that it is considered advisable to get your house surveyed prior to buying it. When I asked my solicitor - who is on the National Westminster Bank conveyancing panel - on this she said they don't do this and I need to contract an independent surveyor. is that correct?
National Westminster Bank will need an independent valuation of the property. Your lawyer will not arrange this. Usually National Westminster Bank will appoint their own surveyor to do this, and you will have to pay for it. Remember that this is a valuation for mortgage purposes and not a survey.
You may wish to consider appointing your own surveyor to carry out a survey or prepare a home buyers report on the property. It is up to you to satisfy yourself that the property is structurally sound before you buy it. If the survey or report reveals that building work is needed, you should tell your solicitor. You may wish to renegotiate with the seller.
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Your lawyer will not organise the survey but they may be able to put you in touch with a local one that they recommend. RICS offers a find a surveyor service (just google it) where you can search for a qualified surveyor by postcode. As you are getting a mortgage with National Westminster Bank you could contact your them to see if they have a list of approved surveyors.