Common questions asked concerning the Skipton Building Society Conveyancing Panel from members of the public
Am I correct in assuming that the fact that my conveyancer is not isted on the Skipton Building Society Solicitor panel that there is a problem with the standard of his work?
That would more than likely be a wrong assumption to make. 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 top 3 reasons are as follows: (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 Skipton Building Society.
We are nearing an exchange and my mum and dad having sent the 10% deposit to my lawyer. I am now advised that as the deposit has not come from me my lawyer needs to make a notification to my lender Skipton Building Society. Apparently, being on the Skipton Building Society conveyancing panel and acting on their behalf he must inform Skipton Building Society if the balance of the mortgage advance is not just from me. I disclosed to the bank about my parent’s contribution when I applied for the home loan so is it really necessary for this now to be an issue?
Your lawyer is obliged to check with Skipton Building Society to make sure that they are aware that the balance of the purchase price is not from your own funds. Your solicitor can only report this to Skipton Building Society if you agree, failing which, your lawyer must cease to continue acting.
I see that you have a search directory identifying solicitors on the Skipton Building Society conveyancing panel. Do firms pay you a commission if I retain them for my own conveyancing?
We are a listing service only for law firms wishing to communicate if they are on the Skipton Building Society conveyancing panel or other lender panels. We do not charge referral fees to the any conveyancer that you subsequently appoint.
I am attempting to get my ex-wife taken off the mortgage deeds. Can Skipton Building Society really insist on which solicitor I can or can not retain?
You can use any solicitor you like but Skipton Building Society then has the right to appoint a different solicitor to act for them at your expense. It might be more cost effective and quicker to instruct a lawyer who is on the Skipton Building Society solicitors panel
Do the majority of lenders 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 Skipton Building Society conveyancing panel requirements are different to Skipton Building Society’s conveyancing panel criteria.
My brother and I have had an offer accepted on a house I spoke to a conveyancer previously used by my uncle and he suggested using a property lawyers approved by Skipton Building Society. The estate agent recommended two local firms so I asked Skipton Building Society if the 2 suggested solicitors are approved, which they are not. Skipton Building Society suggested that either practice can fill out the appropriate forms to become approved. Do I (1) save myself the aggravation and use one of Skipton Building Society 's conveyancing panel solicitors (2) Use the local solicitor and accept there may be delays etc as they go through the approval process.
Ask Skipton Building Society for conveyancing panel firms in your area. Lenders have them all over the country. You can also use our search tool at the top of this page to search for a lawyer on the Skipton Building Society 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 Skipton Building Society conveyancing panel as it may only take about 2-3 weeks. As long as they meet Skipton Building Society’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.
I have decided to exercise my right to buy my property off the council. I have a mortgage offer with Skipton Building Society. Conveyancing is new to me. Can I proceed without a solicitor easily? I think we can but we keep being told I should have 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 Skipton Building Society you will need to appoint a solicitor on the Skipton Building Society conveyancing panel.