Buying house - Solicitors filing for Administration

getmealemon

Not one of the problems i thought i might encounter to be honest but i've just read the solicitors i have appointed have made decision to file an intention to appoint administrators. They state it's business as normal for customers however i'm a bit sceptical of that!

Anybody else think this might turn into a real problem?

Larsson67

This happened to us. The solicitors went into admin in between exchange and our completion. They had our 10% deposit.

Nobody told us, we were only aware something was up when both their branches telephones rang out constantly.

We called the EA who told us the situation. Eventually, another solicitor was given our file and we completed on time and without any problems.

I'm sure one of the property professionals can advise you properly but it was a somewhat stressful experience, which I wouldn't want to repeat.

Good luck.

getmealemon

I've literally just had offer accepted a few days ago so instructed solicitors. Went through mortgage application today and HSBC state the solicitors aren't on there panel (CQS?) so we would need to pay an extra £192. Wondering if i should just ditch them because of these problems.

RAS

Pick a solicitor gfrom the panel. But make sure you check the terms and conditions of the paperwork you signed with the other solicitors.

Yorkie1

Yes, I would get another solicitor in the light of these combined problems. You are unlikely to incur much cost, if any, by switching as you're so early on in the process.

Get a couple of other recommendations, ring round to see who you like best and get an email quote from them.

You can find CQS solicitors here:
http://www.lawsociety.org.uk/for-the-public/accredited-specialists/conveyancing/

getmealemon

Hi, thanks for the link. The solicitors is Linder Myers. There website shows the conveyancing quality logo however when using the link i can't seem to find the firm on the law society website. Strange.

Will be calling them tomorrow.

Slayerx

getmealemon wrote: »

Hi, thanks for the link. The solicitors is Linder Myers. There website shows the conveyancing quality logo however when using the link i can't seem to find the firm on the law society website. Strange.

Will be calling them tomorrow.

Linder Myers havent gone into administration and HCB solicitors limited are currently taking them over.

Linder Myers are still trading.

Here

Yorkie1

Irrespective of this, I'd seriously consider instructing solicitors on the CQS panel. If you do this, you don't pay the £192 and get all the probable hassle of HSBC instructing their own solicitors to double check everything your solicitor has done or sent them.

Historically, they have usually instructed Countrywide Conveyancers / Conveyancing (can't remember which) to act for them. Their performance is historically very poor, with delays / repeated requests / frustration etc. Do a forum search if you don't believe me!

Instructing a new solicitor who is on the HSBC panel - whether one of the original 39 or one with CQS accreditation - will avoid this pain at least.