Skipton Building Society Conveyancing Panel Information

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

Skipton 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 Skipton 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 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 provider 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 call your search provider or call one of the leading search companies such as Searches UK.

You might expect Skipton Building Society via their Part Two requirements to address this but the Handbook is silent on time frames. Do look at the Terms of Skipton Building Society’s Conveyancing Panel Appointment that you are bound by. For many lender's these Terms have a clause along the following lines: ‘To keep us informed of the reasons for any delay in your being able to send the title deeds and documents we require to us within 3 months of completion or evidence of proof of registration within that period. (We will send reminders if the deeds have not been received but will not acknowledge receipt of deeds’ It is imperative to keep Skipton Building Society updated. Law firms can often compound their problems by not communicating with the lender when there is a delay or problem.

For most lenders participation on the lender's panel of conveyancers is at the absolute discretion of the the lender. Many lenders reserve the right to accept or reject any application without giving any reason. You should check your original application to join the Skipton Building Society conveyancing panel to see if you are entitled to a reason.

The Law Society’s CQS membership is no guarantee to lender panel acceptance. Nevertheless the Council of Mortgage Lenders have indicated that it is likely to become a prerequisite for firms wishing to remain on their approved list of conveyancing solicitors. Some Lenders now use the scheme as the starting point for Panel membership as is the case with HSBC.

You would be advised to communicate with Skipton Building Society to obtain standard documents. The The Council of Mortgage Lenders Handbook contains an explicit section for banks to enumerate who to contact to obtain standard documents. Skipton Building Society in their Part 2’s state: Always remember to disclose your Skipton Building Society solicitors panel number.