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My Conveyancer is not on the First Direct Conveyancing Panel. Is it possible for me to continue with my family solicitor notwithstanding that they are excluded from the First Direct panel of approved conveyancing solicitors?
You will need to have a conveyancer complete the legal work required when you take out a First Direct mortgage to buy your property. They’ll carry out all the necessary legal checks on the property, make sure that you’re properly registered as the owner and ensure that all the necessary mortgage documentation is in place. You can instruct a conveyancing firm of your choice. However, if the firm selected is not a member of the First Direct conveyancing panel additional costs will be incurred as separate legal representation will be required by First Direct. Conveyancing panel applications can be submitted, so if your conveyancer has not previously applied for membership they can do so.
My conveyancer has uncovered a discrepancy when comparing the surveyor’s assumptions in First Direct’s home valuation survey and what is revealed within the title deeds. My lawyer informs me that as he is on the First Direct conveyancing panel he needs to check that the bank is OK with this discrepancy and is still content to lend. Is my conveyancer’s course or action legitimate?
A precondition to being on the First Direct approved panel is to comply with the CML Handbook requirements (last updated for this lender on First Direct) which do require that your lawyer disclose any incorrect assumptions in the lender’s valuation report and the legal papers. Should you refuse to allow your lawyer to make the appropriate notification then your lawyer will have no choice but to discontinue acting for you.
I have been Googling for online conveyancing estimates. Can I be confident that all the law firms that are identified on your site are on the First Direct conveyancing panel?
The solicitor and licensed conveyancing practices listed on our site have assured us via an online form that they are on the First Direct panel and agreed to advise us to take down their listing in the event of removal off of the First Direct panel. To date we have not been informed by either a lender or a member of the public that the data about a specific firm being on the First Direct conveyancing panel is not accurate.
I am considering applying for a First Direct mortgage for purchase of a new build (under development) with 70% loan to value. Is it compulsory to choose a solicitor on the conveyancing panel for First Direct?
There is nothing to stop you using your solicitor but First Direct will insist on their interests being represented by a firm on their conveyancing panel. There is much more potential for delays and confusion with an additional lawyer added to the mix, and it will undoubtedly be more expensive too.
I was thinking of purchasing my friend’s property. Assuming we can agree a figure, what’s the best way to move forward? I plan to obtain a mortgage with First Direct. Is it possible to avoid using 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 First Direct involved you will need to appoint a solicitor on the First Direct 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 First Direct. Feel free to use our search tool to look for a licensed conveyancer or solicitor on the First Direct conveyancing panel.
What are the common reasons for a lender such as First Direct to withdraw a mortgage offer?
Lenders such as First Direct can withdraw their mortgage offer although this rarely happens. should First Direct withdraw their offer they may or may not inform you or the lawyer as to the reasons why. There are many potential reasons but here are a number of examples:
- Many mortgage offers have an expiry date. Your lawyer should check this. First Direct may amend or withdraw an offer before the end of its validation period if an offer extension is requested and following a re-evaluation of the property the value of the security is below a level which is acceptable to them.
- If the financial circumstances of the borrower have changed to the detriment and the First Direct has been notified
- Where the purchase price and borrowers direct contribution differ to details on the mortgage application form completed by the borrower
- Where to proceed with the Mortgage offer would be unlawful
- If the lender reasonably suspects that the applicant, borrower, mortgagor or guarantor is involved in any criminal or fraudulent activity, including trading in illegal drugs or other substances, theft, robbery, deception or other serious offences, or if the applicant borrower, mortgagor or guarantor has a conviction for any serious criminal offence, including theft, deception, fraud, robbery or trade in illegal drugs or other substances;
The for formalities of my purchase has taken place with a mortgage from First Direct. Conveyancing was of an acceptable standard but I feel I should register my dissatisfaction about First Direct. Who do I contact should I wish to lodge a complaint?
Almost all banks and building societies have complaints procedures. Your first point of contact should be one of the First Direct branches or the Customer Care Team at First Direct head office. Ordinarily complaints to First Direct are sorted out effectively and efficiently. However if you are not satisfied that the matter is resolved you can write to the
Financial Ombudsman Service who will take matters further.
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