RBS- First Active Conveyancing Panel Information

The majority of lenders do not operate a specific buy to let conveyancing panel but we are hearing about a few that do. We do not know what the position is with RBS- First Active as at todays date. If you're about to receive instructions from a client on a buy to let purchase with a mortgage from RBS- First Active we suggest that you call RBS- First Active to check the position.

In the same way that there is a unique RBS- First Active conveyancing panel most building societies, operate a conveyancing panel for solicitors and other conveyancers that the lender will instruct. Terms and Conditions and criteria for inclusion on a building society conveyancing panel vary from lender-to-lender. Having CQS accreditation may be a requirement. Institutional lenders, such as a building society, is a client and is entitled to instruct the solicitor or conveyancer of its choosing (who, in turn, is free to accept or refuse instructions). Therefore, if lender and borrower cannot agree which solicitor or conveyancer should represent them jointly, they would usually proceed on a separate representation basis. The BSA have not published the equivalent of the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook Part 3s.

The key here is the caveat ‘more onerous’. You have to try and take an objective view as to whether the Terms relating to the RBS- First Active conveyancing appointment (or other terms for other lenders) are ‘more onerous’ than the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook Conditions. Depending on the Terms you may need to provide details on your renewal form. If you are in any doubt please call your broker to discuss before moving forward on this question.

9 potential conveyancing clients attempt to locate a conveyancer on the RBS- First Active panel on a monthly basis in Hendon. Feel free to contact the Lexsure team who will tell how your firm can be identified by those searching for conveyancing in Hendon.

In this situation please clarify on the form what steps you have taken to find out the reasons behind cancellation of your RBS- First Active panel membership. In particular please provide details if you have received communications from the lender. E.G. before revocation of your panel membership did you receive any letters or calls from the lender putting you on notice?

You need to communicate with RBS- First Active to obtain standard documents. The CML Handbook has a specific inquiry for lenders to establish who to contact to obtain standard documents. RBS- First Active in their Part 2’s state: It helps to disclose the firm’s RBS- First Active solicitors panel number.