Having invested time scouring moneysavingexpert.com for a conveyancing solicitor in Chandlers Ford, most say that I should use a CQS assured lawyer. What is CQS?

Chandlers Ford Conveyancing Quality Scheme law firms have obtained certification by the law Society The Law Society introduced CQS to promote high standards in the home moving process. CQS enables house movers to identify solicitor firms who provide a quality residential conveyancing. Chandlers Ford is one of locations in England and Wales in which accredited firms are based. The conveyancing scheme requires solicitors to undergo a strict assessment, compulsory training, self-reporting, random audits and annual reviews in order to maintain CQS status. It is open only to members of the Law Society who meet the demanding standards set by the scheme and has the support of the Building Societies Association.

Should my lawyer be raising enquiries concerning flooding as part of the conveyancing in Chandlers Ford.

Flooding is a growing risk for solicitors dealing with homes in Chandlers Ford. There are those who acquire a house in Chandlers Ford, fully aware that at some time, it may suffer from flooding. However, aside from the physical damage, where a house is at risk of flooding, it may be difficult to obtain a mortgage, suitable building insurance, or dispose of the property. Steps can be carried out during the course of a property purchase to forewarn the buyer.

Solicitors are not qualified to give advice on flood risk, however there are a various checks that can be initiated by the buyer or by their solicitors which can figure out the risks in Chandlers Ford. The conventional set of property information forms supplied to a buyer’s solicitor (where the solicitors are adopting what is known as the Conveyancing Protocol) contains a standard inquiry of the seller to determine if the premises has suffered from flooding. In the event that the premises has been flooded in past and is not disclosed by the seller, then a purchaser may commence a compensation claim as a result of such an inaccurate response. The buyer’s lawyers should also conduct an enviro report. This should disclose whether there is a recorded flood risk. If so, additional investigations will need to be carried out.

I am buying a new build apartment in Chandlers Ford. Conveyancing is necessary evil at the best of times but I have never purchased a new build flat before. Can you give me some examples of some of the questions asked in new build conveyancing.

Here is a sample of a selection of leasehold new build enquiries that you can expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Chandlers Ford

There must be mutual enforceability of lessee’s covenants. Will control of the Management Company (if any) be handed over to purchasers on completion of the last sale or earlier? Where service of notices and proceedings can be at the property demised please confirm that this can be amended to include simultaneous services at the Lessees’ solicitors’ offices where the Lessee from time to time is not resident in the UK - such solicitors may be varied by notice in writing to the Landlord from time to time but otherwise will be as previously specified. Please supply a car parking plan.

I was pointed in your direction by a number of selling agents in Chandlers Ford to choose a solicitor using your seach tool. Is there a financial advantage for Estate Agents to recommend your lawyers over another?

We don’t make any commission for directing people our way. We found it would be just too difficult a fee as members of the public would think, ‘Why is the agent getting a kickback? Why am I not receiving any benefit too?’ We would prefer to grow our business on genuine recommendations.

What advice can you give us when it comes to finding a Chandlers Ford conveyancing practice to deal with our lease extension?

When appointing a conveyancer for your lease extension (regardless if they are a Chandlers Ford conveyancing practice) it is most important that he or she should be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of work. We recommend that you talk with two or three firms including non Chandlers Ford conveyancing practices before you instructing a firm. If the firm is ALEP accredited then so much the better. The following questions could be of use:

How many lease extensions has the firm carried out in Chandlers Ford in the last 12 months? How familiar is the firm with lease extension legislation?

I bought a 1st floor flat in Chandlers Ford, conveyancing formalities finalised in 2010. Can you give me give me an indication of the likely cost of a lease extension? Comparable flats in Chandlers Ford with a long lease are worth £211,000. The ground rent is £50 per annum. The lease terminates on 21st October 2093

With 68 years left to run we estimate the price of your lease extension to range between £9,500 and £11,000 plus costs.

The figure that we have given is a general guide to costs for extending a lease, but we cannot give you a more accurate figure in the absence of comprehensive investigations. Do not use the figures in a Notice of Claim or as an informal offer. There may be other issues that need to be taken into account and you obviously want to be as accurate as possible in your negotiations. Please do not move forward placing reliance on this information without first seeking the advice of a professional.