My friend's dad is a conveyancer. I suspect that I'll be able to get friends and family fee for conveyancing, but if not, what kind of fees would I typically be looking at for conveyancing in Berkeley?

It’s wise to obtain 3 or more like-for-like conveyancing estimates. Do use our comparison tool on this page. The quotes seem to vary but the service one can expect are distinct between conveyancers as is true with most professions.

The owners have very pushy vendors who has insisted on a preliminary agreement with a payment 10k. Are such contracts promoted for Berkeley conveyancing transactions?

There are two primary drawbacks with entering into any lock out agreement (sometimes termed a shut-out contract) is that it diverts attention away from moving forward with the conveyancing transaction itself, so in the absence of it needing little or no negotiation then it may transpire to be a cause of frustration and delay. It is not particularly popular amongst Berkeley conveyancing lawyers as a result. A further issue is the extent of the remedies available - an aggrieved purchaser is not likely to be issued with injunctive relief to prohibit the owner completing the sale to a third party, so the only remedy available under the contract will be the reimbursement of abortive charges and, in restricted circumstances, the extra payment of damages.

What is the difference between a licensed conveyancer and conveyancing solicitor in Berkeley

There are two types of lawyers who can execute conveyancing in Berkeley namely licenced conveyancers or solicitors. The two can provide the legal services that you need to complete the disposal or acquisition of property. They are both required to execute Berkeley conveyancing on similar quality and guidelines so you can be sure that your conveyancing will be properly carried out and that all requisite steps should be correctly followed.

Is it correct that all Berkeley CQS (Conveyancing Quality Scheme) solicitors are on the Nationwide conveyancing panel?

It is true that some lenders now use the accreditation scheme as the kick off point for Panel approval such as HSBC and Santander. CQS membership however is no guarantee to lender panel acceptance. Nevertheless,the CML have indicated that it is likely to become a pre-requisite for firms wishing to join their panels.

I am expecting a OIP from Kent Reliance this week so we can work out what to offer on a property we like as otherwise we are dependent on web based calculators (which aren't taking into account credit checks etc). Do Kent Reliance recommend any Berkeley solicitors on the Kent Reliance conveyancing panel, or is it better to find our own lawyer?

You will need to appoint Berkeley solicitors independently although you'll need to choose one on the Kent Reliance conveyancing panel. The solicitor represents both you and Kent Reliance through the process.

I am buying a new build flat in Berkeley. Conveyancing is daunting at the best of times but I have never purchased a new build flat before. What sort of enquires would be asked in new build legal work.

Set out below is a sample of a few leasehold new build enquiries that you can expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Berkeley

The Landlord must covenant to assume the management if the Management Company goes into liquidation or otherwise defaults in running the management scheme. Has the Lease plan been approved by the Land Registry and if not when will they be lodged for this purpose? Please confirm the Lease plans are architect prepared. There must be mutual enforceability of lessee’s covenants. Forfeiture - bankruptcy or liquidation must not apply under this provision.

I am hoping to exchange soon on a ground floor flat in Berkeley. Conveyancing solicitors assured me that they are sending me a report on Monday. What should I be looking out for?

Your report on title for your leasehold conveyancing in Berkeley should include some of the following:

The landlord’s rights to access the property. You should be made aware that your landlord has rights of access as well as be informed how much notice must be provided. You should be sent a copy of the lease specifics of the parties to the lease, for instance these could be the tennant, superior lessor, landlord You should have a good understanding of the insurance provisions Repair and maintenance of the premises

Leasehold Conveyancing in Berkeley - A selection of Queries before buying

What is the the remaining lease term? It would be wise to find out as much as possible regarding the managing agents as they will either make life much easier or uncomfortable. As the owner of a leasehold property you are frequently at the mercy of the managing agents both financially and when it comes to practical issues like the tidiness of the common parts. Enquire of other people whether they are happy with them. Finally, be sure you know the dates that the service fees are due to the relevant party and precisely what it includes. How many of the leaseholders are in arrears for their maintenance charge payments?