I went with a Highworth based solicitor for my conveyancing in Highworth yesterday. Looking through the Ts and Cs I seewe are on the hook for charges even if our purchase doesn't happen. Should I go with them or appoint an on-line solicitor practice offering no completion no cost conveyancing in Highworth?

Generally there is a compromise along the lines that if "No Sale No Fee" is offered then the conveyancing charges will generally be more expensive to counteract the transactions that abort. Also remember that such arrangements tend not to protect you from disbursements for example Highworth conveyancing search costs.

It is is a decade since I bought my property in Highworth. Conveyancing lawyers have recently been instructed on the sale but I am unable to locate the title deeds. Is this a major issue?

Don’t worry too much. Firstly the deeds may be kept by your lender or they could stored with the solicitor who oversaw your purchase. Secondly the chances are that the property will be registered at the land registry and you will be able to establish that you own the property by your conveyancing solicitors obtaining up to date copy of the land registers. Nearly all conveyancing in Highworth involves registered property but in the unlikely event that your property is unregistered it is more tricky but is not insurmountable.

After scouring consumer advice sites for a cheap solicitor in Highworth, most post that I must look for a CQS assured solicitor. What is CQS?

The Law Society's Conveyancing Quality Scheme is the recognised kitemark for legal experts in buying or selling property, trusted by some of the UK's leading banks. Four years ago the Conveyancing Quality Scheme was officially recognised by the Association of British Insurers (ABI). CQS is not a scheme offered by the Society for Licensed Conveyancers. Highworth is one of the many areas in England and Wales where there are Accredited solicitors.

A friend pointed out to me me that in purchasing a property in Highworth there could be a number of restrictions as to what one can do in terms of external changes to a property. Is this right?

There are anumerous of properties in Highworth which have some sort of restriction or requirement of consent to perform external variations. Part of the conveyancing in Highworth should determine what restrictions are applicable and advising you as part of a ROT that should be sent to you.

How can we tell if a Highworth conveyancing solicitor on the TSB panel is any good?

When it comes to conveyancing in Highworth obtaining recommendations is a good starting point. Before you go ahead, check if they offer a no sale no fee offer. Also, you often get what you pay for - a firm which quotes more, will often provide a better service than one which is cheap as chips. We would always advocate that you speak with the solicitor carrying out your transaction.

I have decided to exercise my right to buy my property in Highworth off the council. I have a mortgage offer with Clydesdale. Conveyancing is not something I have any knowledge of. Can I proceed without a solicitor easily? I think we can but we keep being told I should use one. Any advice?

It is not advisable to proceed with a house purchase without a solicitor. The council's solicitor are not acting for you. You need a solicitor for a number reasons. One of which is to verify what plans the Council have for repairs and refurbishment for the next five years. Many leaseholders have been stung for contributions of thousands of pounds. In any event, if you are getting a mortgage with Clydesdale, you will need to appoint a solicitor on the Clydesdale conveyancing panel.

The estate agent has sent us the confirmation of our purchase of a new build flat in Highworth. Conveyancing is a frightening process 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 may expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Highworth

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 provide evidence that the form of Lease proposed has been approved by the Land Registry. Please confirm the Lease plans are surveyor prepared.