Britannia Conveyancing Panel Information

This not something that the CML would traditionally get involved with but they do organise numerous general conveyancing related conferences which are attended by firms on the Britannia conveyancing panel. We do intend to run specific lender focused seminars in the near future including a webinar on Britannia’s Part 2 requirements. Practitioners on the Britannia conveyancing panel will be invited. Information about the webinar will be made available as part of the LENDERmonitor P2 change Notifications.

Britannia make no specific obligation to carry out any of the searches listed. The UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook simply states that ‘you must ensure that any other searches which may be appropriate to the particular property, taking into account its locality and other features are carried out’.

Remember that most ‘less usual searches’ (as described in the Law Society’s Conveyancing Handbook) are not optional as far as Britannia are concerned if they are ‘appropriate’. Most lenders will not require environmental searches (you should Check Part 2 of UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook to be sure), but you are obliged to explain risks and availability to the borrower.

Ground stability, Plansearch,flood searches as well as the searches listed in the question are optional – but only to the extent that you have allowed the borrower client to make an informed choice. Regardless of whether there is a mortgage, If you have not advised the client that these (and other) searches are available and what risks they cover, then you will be liable if the client suffers loss through not conducting one. Is this covered within your Terms of Engagement or Report on Title?

A leading search supplier lists over 72 property searches – do you know what all of them are and when they may be relevant? If you are unsure as to which searches are appropriate based on location contact your search provider or call one of the leading search companies such as Searchflow.

The CLC has begun discussions with banks and their representative bodies to see whether and how the risks that lenders wish to mitigate could be addressed through the regulatory framework rather than via ad hoc arrangements that can differ from lender to lender. We expect that that the CLC have been in touch with lenders such as Britannia in the recent past.

You should provide details of the date of removal, information on the reason for removal, date of appeal and any reason given for reinstatement. This should not adversely impact your firm’s application but gives the Law Society a complete picture of what has gone on.

You would be advised to communicate with Britannia to obtain standard documents. The The Council of Mortgage Lenders Handbook contains a specific inquiry for banks to enumerate who to contact to obtain standard documents. Britannia in their Part 2’s state: You will need to disclose your Britannia solicitors panel number.