Identity verification of a non-UK citizen for mortgage

Tangvincent

Hi there, hope I can find solution here.

I am from Hong Kong and would like to refinance my existing UK property to fund a new apartment in UK. The law firm of HSBC requested me to complete Form ID1 and ask a solicitor to verify my identity. I employed a Hong Kong international notary public to do it but the bank's law firm rejected my application, saying the verification should be conducted by a UK solicitor.

I find in Note 2 of section B of Form ID1 stating that Land Registry accepts a lawyer practicing outside the UK, provided the lawyer can show evidence that he is authorised to practice in his jurisdiction. Please if any one can explain the rule? Thank you! 

davidmcn

Tangvincent said:

the bank's law firm rejected my application, saying the verification should be conducted by a UK solicitor.

Is that because they think that's the Land Registry's requirement, or is that their own additional requirement? Obviously, lots of property in the UK is owned by people overseas - they are not expected to go on long journeys to find their nearest UK-qualified solicitor (though I'm guessing there will be a fair number of those in Hong Kong if you are really stuck).

Tangvincent

davidmcn said:

Tangvincent said:

the bank's law firm rejected my application, saying the verification should be conducted by a UK solicitor.

Is that because they think that's the Land Registry's requirement, or is that their own additional requirement? Obviously, lots of property in the UK is owned by people overseas - they are not expected to go on long journeys to find their nearest UK-qualified solicitor (though I'm guessing there will be a fair number of those in Hong Kong if you are really stuck).

Thanks David. They asked me to do the verification by Skype or video call with a UK solicitor. But who dare to do it if they do not know me or meet me before! I have emailed to Land Registry for clarification but they have yet responded. Hope they will visit this forum and advise me. 

davidmcn

The Land Registry rules are pretty clear that a foreign lawyer is acceptable - have you tried pointing that out to the bank's solicitors?

Tangvincent

davidmcn said:

The Land Registry rules are pretty clear that a foreign lawyer is acceptable - have you tried pointing that out to the bank's solicitors?

Yes David, I quoted the below from GOV.UK:

Verification of identity of persons resident overseas

Where a person is resident overseas and it is not possible for their identity to be verified by a UK conveyancer, section B of the ID1 or ID2 should be completed and signed by a lawyer or notary public qualified to practice in the person’s country of residence. The form should be amended to include confirmation of the country in which the lawyer or notary public is qualified to practice, confirmation that they are so qualified to practice and the name and address of the body with which they are registered to practice.