Manchester Building Society Conveyancing Panel Information

Lexsure has not been advised of any intention on the part of the CML to develop such a register.

The Council of Mortgage Lenders, along with Manchester Building Society and other lenders created a standard set of instructions where a solicitor is representing a lender such as Manchester Building Society alone in a residential conveyancing matter. These obligations are contained at Part 3 of the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook and are to be read in conjunction with Sections One and Two. The CML have published an example requirements letter to the borrower’s conveyancing solicitor for adaptation by the lender's conveyancer, and sets out to the borrower's conveyancer, the documentary and information requirements of the lender's panel conveyancer.

Manchester Building Society 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’.

Please note that most ‘less usual searches’ (as described in the Law Society’s Conveyancing Handbook) are not optional as far as Manchester Building Society 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 client.

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. Does your ROT and Ts and Cs cover this?

A leading search provider lists over 65 conveyancing 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.

Many estate agents will be feeling the pain if their clients start out on the conveyancing process using a conveyancer who is not on the panel with the purchaser’s chosen lender. Many conveyancing firms are only discovering when they begin working on a case that they are no longer able to work with that lender. Given the inevitable resultant delays in the transaction the chances of an abortive deal increases dramatically. in the circumstances there is understandable anguish on the part of the estate agent as a result of the lost time should the client have to change lawyers.

The Law Society’s CQS accreditation gives no guarantee to lender panel acceptance. Nevertheless the CML have indicated that it is likely to become a prerequisite for firms wishing to remain on their approved list of conveyancing solicitors. A number of mortgage companies now use the scheme as the starting point for Panel membership as is the case with Astra Mortgages.

You need to communicate with Manchester Building Society to obtain standard documents. The The Council of Mortgage Lenders Handbook contains an individual question for lenders to establish who to contact to obtain standard documents. Manchester Building Society in their Part 2’s state: It helps to quote your Manchester Building Society solicitors panel number.