Pepper Money (UK) Conveyancing Panel : Questions and Answers
from members of the public
We are purchasing a 3 bedroom apartment in Newcastle with a mortgage from Pepper Money (UK). We like our solicitor but Pepper Money (UK) says he's not on their "panel". It seems we have little choice but to instruct one of the Pepper Money (UK) 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?
No, not really. The mortgage offered to you is subject to its terms and conditions, one of which will be that lawyers will on the Pepper Money (UK) 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. Another option that might be available is for your lawyer to apply to be on the conveyancing panel for Pepper Money (UK)
My god-son is about to exchange on a new build apartment with a mortgage from Pepper Money (UK). His solicitor has said that there is a delay in completing the ‘Disclosure of Incentive Form’. What is this document - I have never come across this before?
The document is intended to provide information to the main parties involved in the transaction. Therefore, it will be provided to your son’s lawyer who should be on the Pepper Money (UK) conveyancing panel as a standard part of the process, and to the surveyor when requested.
The Developer will be required to start the process by downloading the form and completing it.
The form will therefore need to be available for the valuer at the time of his or her site visit. The form should be sent to the Pepper Money (UK) conveyancing panel solicitor as early as possible, in order to avoid any last minute delays, and no later than at exchange of contracts.
Your search tool is useful but there are many lawyers listed near Chelsea on the Pepper Money (UK) conveyancing panel. Can you recommend a specific firm on the conveyancing panel for Pepper Money (UK) ?
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. We recommend that you speak to 3 or 4 lawyers listed before you make your choice..
We're in Liverpool, First time buyers purchasing with a mortgage (lender is Pepper Money (UK) , but our lawyer is on the Pepper Money (UK) conveyancing panel). How long should the conveyancing process take?
The fact that your lawyer is on the Pepper Money (UK) 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
I previously instructed online solicitors located in Cardiff who are on the Pepper Money (UK) solicitor panel. They are now charging me a separate fee of £135 for dealing with the Pepper Money (UK) mortgage. Is this an additional conveyancing fee specified by Pepper Money (UK)?
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 Pepper Money (UK) but by your lawyers. Some firms on the Pepper Money (UK) will charge an ‘acting for lender’ fee but plenty of firms include it on their overall fee.
How can we tell if a solicitor on the Pepper Money (UK) panel is any good?
Getting recommendations is a sensible start. 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 advise that you speak with the lawyer handling your 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 Pepper Money (UK). Is there anyway to cut out the solicitors to save us both money? 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 Pepper Money (UK) involved you will need to appoint a solicitor on the Pepper Money (UK) 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 Pepper Money (UK). Feel free to use our search tool to look for a licensed conveyancer or solicitor on the Pepper Money (UK) conveyancing panel.