Frequently asked questions relating to the Topaz Finance Conveyancing Panel from members of the public
Is the fact that my solicitor is not identified on the Topaz Finance Conveyancing panel that there is a problem with the quality of his work?
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 Topaz Finance.
My god-son is buying a house that has just been built with a home loan from Topaz Finance. His solicitor has said that there is a delay in receiving the ‘Disclosure of Incentive Form’. This document is news to me - what is it and who needs sight of it?
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 Topaz Finance 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 Topaz Finance conveyancing panel solicitor as early as possible, in order to avoid any last minute delays, and no later than at exchange of contracts.
I have been searching for competitive conveyancing fees. Can I be confident that all the firms that are identified on your site are on the Topaz Finance conveyancing panel?
The solicitor and licensed conveyancing practices listed on our site have advised us that they are on the Topaz Finance panel and agreed to advise us to take down their listing in the event of removal off of the Topaz Finance panel. To date we have not been informed by either a bank or a member of the public that the data about a specific firm being on the Topaz Finance conveyancing panel is not accurate.
I am attempting to get my ex-husband removed the mortgage deeds. Can Topaz Finance really insist on which solicitor I can or can not use?
You can use any solicitor you like but Topaz Finance 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 Topaz Finance solicitors panel
The for formalities of my remortgage has taken place with a loan from Topaz Finance. Conveyancing was of an acceptable standard but I would like to complain about Topaz Finance. How does one go about formally complaining?
All banks and building societies have complaints procedures. Your first point of contact should be one of the Topaz Finance branches or the Customer Services Department at Topaz Finance head office. Ordinarily complaints to Topaz Finance are resolved very quickly. However if you are not satisfied that the matter is resolved you can write to the
Financial Ombudsman Service who will take matters further.
Intending to buy a flat with a mortgage with Topaz Finance. 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 Topaz Finance 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 Topaz Finance conveyancing panel
Next month my fiance and I are taking a long lease of a terraced house in Hendon. Conveyancing solicitors in Hendon need to beinstructed. My mothersuggested that we enquire that the conveyancing practitioner in Hendon is on the Topaz Finance solicitors panel. Is this right?
Far from all Hendon conveyancing practices are on the Topaz Finance conveyancing panel. Click here to search for a Hendon conveyancing solicitor on the on the Topaz Finance panel.
