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Ready to buy a new home? Failing to check that a lawyer is on the Metro Bank list of approved solicitors can put your transaction at risk of delay or failure.
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How does my firm apply to be on the Metro Bank plc Conveyancing Panel? How can my firm be reinstated onto the Metro Bank plc Conveyancing Panel?Find an Approved Solicitor on the Metro Bank plc Conveyancing Panel
Metro Bank Conveyancing Panel Recently Asked Questions
We are buying a 2 bedroom flat in Newcastle with a mortgage from Metro Bank. We like our lawyer but Metro Bank says he's not on their "panel". We have to appoint one of the Metro Bank panel firms or keep our solicitor and pay for one of their panel ones to represent them. This seems very unfair; is there anything we can do?
Unfortunately,no. The mortgage offered to you is subject to its terms and conditions, one of which will be that lawyers will on the Metro Bank conveyancing panel. Until recently, most lenders had large numbers of law firms on their panels: a borrower could choose one for themselves, as long as it was on the lender's panel. The lender would then simply instruct the borrower's lawyers to act for the lender, too. You can use your lender's panel lawyers or you could borrow from another lender which does not restrict your choice. Another option that might be available is for your lawyer to apply to be on the conveyancing panel for Metro Bank
Much to my surprise my solicitor has requested from me identification documents saying that this forms part of his legal duty as a solicitor on the Metro Bank Solicitor panel. Am I being spun a yarn?
Due to Money Laundering Regulations your conveyancing lawyer is duty bound to confirm positively your identification when entering into a business relationship with you. It is a criminal offense if your lawyer not do this. If you do not provide ID early in the transaction the solicitor must refuse to act for you. It’s unlikely a lawyer will turn you away if you come to the first meeting without relevant ID but you will have to produce it at some point so you might as well bring it with you to the initial meeting so the lawyer can tick the ID verification box and start sorting out the conveyancing straight away. If you are getting a mortgage with Metro Bank your lawyer also has to check ID documents to satisfy Metro Bank
I note that you have a search directory identifying law firms on the Metro Bank conveyancing panel. Do firms pay you a commission if I appoint them for my house purchase?
We are a listing service only for law firms wishing to communicate if they are on the Metro Bank conveyancing panel or other lender panels. We do not charge referral fees to the any conveyancer that you subsequently appoint.
What happens if my lawyer’s firm is suspended from the Metro Bank Conveyancing panel before the moving date as agreed at exchange of contracts?
The first thing to point out is that, this is a very rare occurrence. In most cases even where a law firm is removed off of a panel the lender would allow the completion to go ahead as the lender would appreciate the difficulties that they would place you in if you have ti instruct a new solicitor days before completion. In a worst case scenario where the lender insists that you instruct a new firm then it is possible for a very good lawyer to expedite the conveyancing albeit that you may pay a significant premium for this. The analogous situation is where a buyer instructs a lawyer, exchanges contracts and the law firm is shut down by the regulator such as the SRA. Again, in this situation you can find lawyers who can troubleshoot their way to bring the conveyancing to a satisfactory conclusion - albeit for a fee.
I am buying a property where the roof has a solar panel. Solicitors conducting should look into this right? Will my lender Metro Bank be concerned
Given that you are obtaining a mortgage with Metro Bank your lawyer must to check the Metro Bank conveyancing instructions contained in the Part of CML Handbook for Metro Bank . The CML Handbook contains minimum requirements for solar panel roof-space leases, and solicitors are required to report to Metro Bank where a lease does not meet these requirements. The requirements relate to the installation of panels on properties in England and Wales. Requirements for Scotland are due in the near future.
I am currently in the process of buying my council flat. I have a mortgage offer with Metro Bank. Conveyancing is new to me. Can I proceed without a solicitor easily? I think we can but we keep being told I should have one. Any advice?
It is not advisable proceed with a house purchase without a solicitor. The council's solicitor are not acting for you. You need a solicitor for a number reasons. One of which is to verify what plans the Council have for repairs and refurbishment for the next five years. Many leaseholders have been stung for contributions of thousands of pounds. In any event if you are getting a mortgage with Metro Bank you will need to appoint a solicitor on the Metro Bank conveyancing panel.
I am selling my flat. I had a double glazing fitted in month 6 but did not receive a FENSA certificate or Building Regulation Certificate. My purchaser’s mortgage company, Metro Bank are being problematic. The solicitor who is on the Metro Bank conveyancing panel is saying indemnity insurance will be fine but Metro Bank are requiring a building regulation certificate. Why do Metro Bank have a conveyancing panel of they don’t accept advice from them?
It is probably the case that Metro Bank have referred the matter to their valuer. The reason why Metro Bank may not want to accept indemnity insurance is because it does not give them any reassurance that the double glazing correctly and safely installed. It merely protects against enforcement action which is very unlikely anyway.
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Transfer of Equity for Metro BankPlease note that Lexsure Ltd is in no way associated with nor affiliated with Lexsure Solicitors