FAQs : The Ulster Bank Solicitor Panel from members of the public
What is the rationale as to why all solicitors are not on the Ulster Bank Conveyancing panel?
Lenders point to the fact that solicitor-led fraud is thought to be responsible for millions of pounds of fraud every year. The removal of law firms off of lender panels started with the rise in mortgage fraud, which prompted a thematic review by the Financial Services Authority in 2011. Its outcome included recommendations for lenders to review their conveyancing panels, which kicked off a major policy change in the sector. It led to banks and building societies purging less reputable firms off their books
Can you help?. For no fault of my lawyer but, my purchase conveyancing has been going on for months. The Local Authority Search from Ulster Bank was issued random date and we have agreed a date for me to move into the property on Tues etc. My lawyer informs me that as she is on the Ulster Bank conveyancing panel she needs to redo the searches as they are no longer valid.
One of the many conditions to being on the Ulster Bank approved panel is to comply with the CML Handbook Part 2 obligations (last updated for this lender on Ulster Bank)which states that a local authority search be not more than half a year old. You should nevertheless ask your lawyer to check whether something called ‘search validation’ indemnity insurance is acceptable to Ulster Bank.
I note that you have a search directory identifying law firms on the Ulster Bank conveyancing panel. Do firms pay you a referral fee 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 Ulster Bank conveyancing panel or other lender panels. We do not charge referral fees to the any conveyancer that you subsequently appoint.
I was scheduled to move into my first house two days ago. My solicitor is on the Ulster Bank conveyancing panel but has moved offices in the past couple of months and had not informed Ulster Bank of their new address. Ulster Bank has locked down the release of mortgage funds as the information from the solicitors isn't correct.
This is as unusual as it is unlucky. Most lender Terms of Conveyancing Panel Appointment specifically oblige the solicitor to inform the lender of an address change. Your solicitor needs to treat this with the utmost urgency. Do speak with or register your concern with the senior partner (assuming he or she is not your direct lawyer). Most lenders would be reasonable in this situation and expedite the resolution of this issue. It may be prudent to enlist the help of your local Ulster Bank branch or your mortgage broker to see if they can assist.
Is the case that all CQS (Conveyancing Quality Scheme) solicitors on the Ulster Bank conveyancing panel?
Some major banks and building societies now use the accreditation scheme as the starting point for Panel approval such as HSBC and Santander. CQS membership however is no guarantee to lender panel acceptance. That being said,the CML have indicated that it is likely to become a pre-requisite for firms wishing to join their panels.
We have had an offer accepted on a flat I spoke to a conveyancer previously used by my uncle and he advised using a solicitor approved by Ulster Bank. The estate agent recommended two local firms so I asked Ulster Bank if the 2 suggested solicitors are approved, which they are not. Ulster Bank suggested that either firm can fill out the appropriate forms to become approved. Do I (1) save myself the aggravation and use one of Ulster Bank '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 Ulster Bank to suggest a law firm in your location. 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 Ulster Bank 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 Ulster Bank conveyancing panel as it may only take about 2-3 weeks. As long as they meet Ulster Bank’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.
Next month my fiance and I are remortgaging a house in Hendon. Conveyancing solicitors in Hendon need to beinstructed. My brother-in-lawsuggested that we double-check that the conveyancing practitioner in Hendon is on the Ulster Bank panel. Is this right?
Not all Hendon conveyancing firms are on the Ulster Bank conveyancing panel. 7 people a month use our search tool to locate a Hendon conveyancing firm on the on the Ulster Bank panel.
