As a practising solicitor, in theory, I have no problem acting for a client doing a switch and then another switch and then another switch.
In practice, it would be such a pain because you'd only have closed one file before you'd be opening another.
When it comes to the multiple switches, I start getting twitchy.
Let me explain why.
Conveyancing when there are mortgages involved only work where solicitors are giving undertakings.
A simple example- where we have a mortgage free vendor selling to a cash purchaser, there are no undertakings to Banks.
Let's look at a simple switch.
First undertaking by the solicitor is to Bank A - we undertake not part with the Deeds unless we are in a position to discharge the Bank's charge.
Borrower is switching to Bank B- to complete the process, the solicitor undertakes to Bank B as follows:
1. The borrower has good marketable title.
2. The mortgage documentation has all been signed by the borrower.
3. The provisions of the 1976 Family Home Act, as amended, have been complied with.
4. The new mortgage ranks as a first charge on the property to be mortgaged.
5. The solicitor is in funds to complete the registration of the new mortgage
6. The borrower has executed the life policy assignment form.
The borrower will have to send in the Notice of Assignment of the Life Policy and evidence that the bank's interest is noted on the household policy to Bank B. These have to be in place before the funds will issue.
So, I get redemption figures from Bank A - close to when I expect to get the funds from Bank B.
I get the Bank B funds, organise searches, redeem Bank A's charge, and then attend to making sure that charge is released from the title. And then I have undertaken to register the new charge in favour of Bank B.
I'm now holding the Title Deeds in trust for Bank B.
But now the client decides to switch again to Bank C before I register the new charge.
So, I'm to give the same undertaking as I gave to Bank B to Bank C? And the borrower will have to send in the Notice of Assignment of the Life Policy and evidence that the bank's interest is noted on the household policy to Bank C. These have to be in place before the funds will issue.
So, I get redemption figures from Bank B - close to when I expect to get the funds from Bank C.
I get the Bank C funds, organise searches, redeem Bank B's loan, and then I have undertaken to register the new charge in favour of Bank C.
At this stage, I have no idea whether I am coming or going, I regret the day I ever met this client because nothing is worth this level of chaos plus everything is riding on my now multiple undertakings.
So, I see now why a solicitor would be unwilling to get involved!
mf