Halifax Conveyancing Panel Information

In the same way that there is a unique Halifax 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.

During 2013, 65 sections of the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook P2 were changed by Halifax. Some changes are more important than others but as a firm on the Halifax conveyancing panel you are of course obliged to comply with individual lender requirements, as set out in Part II of the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook. Locktons have recently pointed out in an article that non-compliance with Part 2 requirements account for a number of high value claims, and it is therefore important to be aware of any particularly onerous terms that an individual lender may impose.

Remember: CML requirements are not guidelines; they are the lender client’s instructions.

With lenders and property lawyers working so closely with one another it is surprising that there has not been greater demand for the introduction of a bit of transparency regarding not just the figures for the Halifax conveyancing panel but for all lender panels

In this situation please clarify on the form what action you have taken to find out the reasons behind cancellation of your Halifax panel status. In particular please provide details if you have received communications from the lender. E.G. before cessation of your panel membership did you receive any letters or calls from the lender advising you as to their reasons?

You would be advised to get in touch with Halifax to obtain standard documents. The CML Handbook includes an explicit section for lenders to establish who to contact to obtain standard documents. Halifax in their Part 2’s state: Don’t forget to quote the firm’s Halifax conveyancing panel number.