Platform Home Loans Conveyancing Panel Example Support Desk Enquires from members of the public
Am I correct in assuming that the fact that my solicitor is not on the Platform Home Loans Conveyancing panel that there is a problem with the standard of her conveyancing?
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 Platform Home Loans.
Expecting to move into my new home next Thursday. 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 Platform Home Loans. What does the insurance need to cover?
All property lawyers on the Platform Home Loans 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 Platform Home Loans’s Part 2 requirements of the CML Handbook (last updated on Platform Home Loans). Being on the Platform Home Loans conveyancing panel your lawyer is expect to follow these instructions.
I am purchasing a flat and need a conveyancing solicitor in Birmingham who is on the Platform Home Loans conveyancing. Could you point me in the right direction as regards a firm?
Our service is a directory service for firms who wish to be listed as being on the approved conveyancing panel for Platform Home Loans . We don’t recommend any particular firm.
My conveyancers in Birmingham have advised me that no longer have my conveyancing file. At the time of my purchase I took out a mortgage with Platform Home Loans. Is it case that being on the Platform Home Loans conveyancing panel they need to have retained the file for a prescribed period?
It very much depends from lender to lender but many of the Terms and Conditions of Conveyancing Panel Appointment require the file to be held for a period of 6 years. That being said we have not seen a copy of the Platform Home Loans Conveyancing Panel Terms. It might be worth you contacting Platform Home Loans directly.
Do most banks operate their own panel of solicitors?
Many lenders do operate a restricted conveyancing panel but a lot of lenders allow any solicitors to join their panel so long as they meet their criteria. Each lender sets their own criteria. For example the Platform Home Loans conveyancing panel requirements are different to Platform Home Loans’s conveyancing panel requirements.
We have had an offer accepted on a house I spoke to a solicitor previously used by my dad and he recommended using a law firm approved by Platform Home Loans. The estate agent recommended two local firms so I asked Platform Home Loans if the 2 suggested solicitors are approved, which they are not. Platform Home Loans suggested that either practice can fill out the appropriate forms to become approved. Do I (1) save myself the aggravation and use one of Platform Home Loans 's conveyancing panel solicitors (2) Use the local solicitor and accept there may be delays etc as they go through the approval process.
Enquire of Platform Home Loans to suggest a law firm in your location. Most banks have lawyers on their panel throughout the UK. You can also use our search tool at the top of this page to search for a lawyer on the Platform Home Loans conveyancing panel based on location. If you particularly like the sound of one of the local lawyers that you have spoken to ask them if they would go onto Platform Home Loans conveyancing panel as it may only take about 2-3 weeks. As long as they meet Platform Home Loans’s requirements it can be a very simple job for the solicitor. Other stuff will be going on in parallel (as you are at an early stage) so it may not delay matters.
Can I register a complaint to Platform Home Loans about the lawyers being on the Platform Home Loans conveyancing panel?
Complaining to Platform Home Loans about their conveyancing panel is unlikely to yield much of a response. Every solicitor firm and conveyancer must have a complaints procedure. You can get information from the solicitor’s or conveyancer’s website or ask at their office. They must tell you about it if you ask.
The Legal Ombudsman will make sure that your complaint is properly dealt with by the solicitor. It can also advise you how to complain.
If a licensed conveyancer does not have a complaints procedure or will not tell you about it, contact the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC), which will make sure that your complaint is properly dealt with by the conveyancer. Please see below for more information.