Holmes & Hills becomes panel solicitor for HSBC

HSBC has widened the panel of solicitors home-buyers can use when funding a property purchase through the bank to include regional firms that provide specialist and local conveyancing services.

Previously the bank had announced home-buyers funding a purchase with HSBC would only be able to choose from one of 49 firms of solicitors that it had chosen for its panel. However, following consultations with its own customers, as well as solicitors and The Law Society, HSBC has expanded its panel to include all firms which hold the Conveyancing Quality Scheme accreditation.

Introduced by the Law Society, the Conveyancing Quality kitemark makes it easier for home-buyers to identify their local conveyancing specialists. Firms holding the accreditation commit to providing the highest standards of service and legal advice to clients when carrying out their purchase or sale. Holmes & Hills was one of the first firms to secure the accreditation following a rigorous application process.

Richard Harris, Head of Holmes & Hills Solicitors’ Residential Property Team, said: “Our accreditation is a clear sign of the quality of our conveyancing services. We are pleased that HSBC welcome us as panel solicitors and that the appointment allows our clients both a full choice of their mortgage products and the chance to retain our full service to them.”

Chief Executive of the Law Society, Desmond Hudson, said: “With this move HSBC is demonstrating its commitment to putting customers first, as well as its confidence in the CQS scheme.

“As well as giving its customers a much wider choice of solicitor that can also act for HSBC, it has aligned itself further with the CQS and the high standards the scheme represents.”