Find an Approved Solicitor on the Metro Bank plc
Conveyancing Panel
FAQs for the Metro Bank Solicitor Panel
I am progressing with the sale of my flat and the estate agent has just texted me to advise that the purchasers are switching property lawyer. I am told that this is due to the fact that Metro Bank will only deal with property lawyers on their conveyancing panel. On what basis would a big named lender only deal with specific lawyers?
Banks have always had panels of law firms they are willing to work with, but in the past few years big names such as Nationwide , have reviewed and reduced their conveyancing panel– in some cases removing conveyancing firms who have worked with them for more than 15 years.
Lenders point to the increase in fraud by way of justification for the cull – criteria have been tightened and a smaller panel should be easier to keep an eye on. No lender will say how many solicitors have been dropped, claiming the information is commercially sensitive, but the Law Society says it is being contacted daily by practices that have been removed from panels, or have other concerns about them. Some do not even realise they have been dropped until contacted by a borrower who has instructed them as might be the situation in your buyer’s case. Your purchasers are unlikely to have any sway in the decision.
We are only a couple days away from an exchange and my mum and dad having transferred the 10% deposit to my lawyer. I am now advised that as the deposit has not come from me my lawyer needs to make a notification to my lender Metro Bank. I am advised that, being on the Metro Bank conveyancing panel and acting on their behalf he must inform Metro Bank if the balance of the mortgage advance is coming from anyone other than me. I advised the bank about my parent’s contribution when I applied for the home loan so is it really necessary for him to raise this?
Your lawyer is obliged to check with Metro Bank to make sure that they are aware that the balance of the purchase price is not from your own funds. Your solicitor can only report this to Metro Bank if you agree, failing which, your lawyer must cease to continue acting.
Do all the licensed conveyancers and solicitor practices listed on your directory have online case tracking as I understood that this was a condition of being on the Metro Bank solicitor panel?
The Council of Mortgage Lenders or BSA do not require online case tracking. Some law firms operate such technology and some don't.
I am attempting to get my former partner removed the mortgage deeds. Can Metro Bank really insist on which solicitor I can or can not retain?
You can use any solicitor you like but Metro Bank then has the right to appoint a different solicitor to act for them at your expense. It might be more cost effective and quicker to instruct a lawyer who is on the Metro Bank solicitors panel
I have decided to exercise my right to buy my property off the council. I have a mortgage offer with Metro Bank. Conveyancing is not something I have any knowledge of. 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.
On the whole I have been dissatisfied with the level or service received from my lawyer. Is there a Metro Bank conveyancing panel complaints department or do I complain directly to the law firm?
Complaining to Metro Bank about their conveyancing panel is unlikely to yield much of a response. Every solicitor firm and conveyancer must have a complaints procedure. Usually one can find this information from the solicitor’s or conveyancer’s website or ask at their office. They must tell you about it if you ask.
The Legal Ombudsman will make sure that your complaint is properly dealt with by the solicitor. It can also advise you how to complain.
If a licensed conveyancer does not have a complaints procedure or will not tell you about it, contact the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC), which will make sure that your complaint is properly dealt with by the conveyancer. Please see below for more information.
I am due to exchange contracts on my house. I had a double glazing fitted in month 7 but did not receive a FENSA certificate or Building Regulation Certificate. My purchaser’s mortgage company, Metro Bank are being difficult. The solicitor who is on the Metro Bank conveyancing panel is recommending indemnity insurance as a solution 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.