FAQs : The National Westminster Bank Solicitor Panel from members of the public
For what reasons would a law firm be excluded from the National Westminster Bank approved conveyancing panel?
According to a recent survey report by the solicitors regulator three quarters of law firms had been excluded from a lender panel. The most common reasons in order are :
- lack of transactions
- the lawyer is a sole practitioner
- as part of the HSBC panel reduction
- regulatory contact by SRA
- accidental removal. We are not aware of the specific or common criteria for removal by National Westminster Bank
Expecting to move into my new home next Friday. My conveyancing lawyer has asked me to provide him with a copy of the building insurance for the house as he says that he has to check this in has capacity as lawyer for National Westminster Bank. What risks do National Westminster Bank expect the insurance to cover?
All property lawyers on the National Westminster Bank conveyancing panel would need to check that the following risks are covered fire; lightning; aircraft; explosion; earthquake; storm; flood; escape of water or oil; riot; malicious damage; theft or attempted theft; falling trees and branches and aerials; subsidence; heave;landslip;collision;accidental damage to underground services;professional fees, demolition and site clearance costs; and public liability to anyone else. There are some other issues such as the level of excess that are set out in National Westminster Bank’s Part 2 requirements of the CML Handbook (last updated on National Westminster Bank). Being on the National Westminster Bank conveyancing panel your lawyer is expect to follow these requirements.
I note that you have a search directory identifying solicitors on the National Westminster Bank conveyancing panel. Do firms pay you a referral fee if I appoint them for my conveyancing?
We are a listing service only for law firms wishing to communicate if they are on the National Westminster Bank conveyancing panel or other lender panels. We do not charge referral fees to the any conveyancer that you subsequently appoint.
I am considering applying for a National Westminster Bank mortgage for purchase of a newly converted (under development) with 60% LTV. Is it compulsory to choose a solicitor on the conveyancing panel for National Westminster Bank?
In theory, you could use a solicitor that is not on National Westminster Bank conveyancing panel, but National Westminster Bank would require one of their panel solicitors to be instructed to act in their interests, and you'd have to pay for this - so most people instruct a panel solicitor. It's also easier, as otherwise you'd have to deal with two solicitors for the same transaction.
Hi, thinking about buying a house off my mate. Once we agree a price, what’s the best way to proceed? I hope to get a mortgage with National Westminster Bank. Is it possible to avoid using solicitors to save on the costs? My dad reckons back in the day he did a lot of it himself, just went into the land registry office and providing them with the info they needed himself
If you are getting a mortgage with National Westminster Bank involved you will need to appoint a solicitor on the National Westminster Bank conveyancing panel. We would not encourage you to both use the same solicitors' firm. There are clear conflict of interest issues and it's not going to make a huge difference to the speed of the overall process. So as not to hold things us you should pass on your solicitors details to National Westminster Bank. Feel free to use our search tool to look for a licensed conveyancer or solicitor on the National Westminster Bank conveyancing panel.
Planning on purchasing a flat with a mortgage with National Westminster Bank. I have received an online quote from a licensed conveyancer, which states: "There will be no charge for dealing with the Lender if you are obtaining a mortgage". I take this to mean that there will be no additional fee if the solicitor is on the National Westminster Bank 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 National Westminster Bank conveyancing panel
After shopping around on the internet I have found a solicitor having made sure 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 read lots of house buying,I note that they all recommend that you should 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 normal?
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.