Solicitor is asking me to sign blank documents

lalna

I'm currently in the process of buying a new build and I've used my own solicitor and mortgage advisor rather than using the developer recommended ones. My solicitor has sent me a TP1 and Deed of Covenant with all the details of the property and dates left blank. They have asked me to have them both signed and witnessed. I don't want to do this until all the details are known and entered.
I have two questions:

1. Is this normal?
2. What is the best way to say I won't do this politely?

Let me know if more details are needed.

davidmcn

You don't need to be polite to your solicitors! You're paying them for advice, so ask them why they want you to sign blank deeds. Not normal, though not necessarily anything untoward, probably just a way of "streamlining" the process. As long as you make sure you're happy with the title etc before you exchange, that's the main thing.

greatcrested

It's certainly normal for the exchange/completion dates to be left blank. These are unknown and will be filled in by the solicitor at the point of Exchange. But I'd expect the property address/description  to be included. I guess perhaps with a new build, the actual address is not yet known (just the developer's own plot number) so that may be why it's blank.

Solicitor will complete when known.

Having the signed form in his file means he can progress faster when all is settled.

princeofpounds

1. I think it's quite usual for the dates be be blank - sol usually fills this in on your instruction as it's typically the last thing to be agreed. Property details... not so much. Struggling to recall but I think in my case most details were filled in. 

2. Say 'I'm uncomfortable signing a totally blank form - please explain to me why I should do this'. Perhaps question individual items too, as not all will be subject to negotiation. They won't be offended.

Your solicitor isn't trying to fit you up. They can populate the form on your instruction, the only thing they can't do without you is get the witnessed signature. They work for you and should only do what you tell them. You can take a photo of the blank signed form and only communicate approval for subsequent entries in writing if you like. 

cattie

As mentioned by others, it's quite normal for a solicitor to get you to sign undated forms to do with house purchases. It's something I've done without qualms whenever I've sold & bought another property. It speeds the whole process up a little.

Jumblebumble

Do not panic too much
The solicitor is a regulated insured professional who spends their life giving undertakings to other solicitors
( ie my word is my bond)

[Deleted User]

As these can be sent instantly via email. if signing blank documents worries you (understandably) I'd ask they be resent when the blanks can be filled in.  It shouldn't cause more than a day's delay which is small feed compared to other delays that can happen with new builds.

RelievedSheff

When we purchased our new build last year the exchange and completion dates were left blank as they were not known when we signed the documents.

The plot address was filled in though.