Our grandson is in the process of securing a new build apartment in Peckham with a home loan from HSBC. His lawyer has advised him of a delay in completing the ‘Disclosure of Incentive Form’. This document is news to me - what is it and who needs sight of it?

The document is intended to provide information to the main parties engaged in the purchase. Therefore, it will be provided to your son’s lawyer who should be on the HSBC conveyancing panel as a standard part of the process, and to the surveyor when asked. The developer will be required to start the process by downloading the form and completing it. The form will therefore need to be available for the valuer at the time of his or her site visit. The form should be sent to the HSBC conveyancing panel solicitor as early as possible, in order to avoid any last minute delays, and no later than at exchange of contracts.

Having invested time reading online forums for a recommended solicitor in Peckham, most post that I must instruct a CQS kitemarked solicitor. Can you explain what CQS is?

Peckham Conveyancing Quality Scheme solicitors have obtained certification by the law Society CQS was created to promote high standards in the home legal process. CQS helps buyers and sellers to identify solicitor firms that provide a quality residential conveyancing. Peckham is one of the many areas in England and Wales in which accredited firms are located. The conveyancing scheme requires law firms to undergo a strict assessment, compulsory training, self-certification, random audits and yearly assessments 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.

Just had an offer accepted on a new build flat in Peckham. Conveyancing is a frightening process 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 legal work.

Here are examples of a few leasehold new build enquiries that you can expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Peckham

Where there is an Undertaking being granted there is the risk of forfeiture of the Headlease subject to relief if one or more of the Underlessees are willing to accept the original Head Lessee’s obligations as otherwise relief will be denied to the Underlessees. The only alternatives are the Head Lessor agreeing not to forfeit the Headlease or the Head Lessee guaranteeing to the Underlessees that it will not be in breach of the Headlease. Investor purchasers must be able to freely grant unsecured tenancies at market rents without requiring any consents. Please confirm the Lease plans are architect prepared. Please supply evidence that the form of Lease proposed has been approved by the Land Registry. Has the Lease plan been approved by the Land Registry and if not when will they be lodged for this purpose?

My partner has recommend that I use his conveyancers in Peckham. Do I take his recommendation?

No doubt the ideal way to select a conveyancing lawyer is to have referrals from friends or relatives who have actually experience in using the solicitor you're considering.

Why is New Build conveyancing in Peckham more expensive?

Purchasing a new build premises is completely distinct from the normal house buying conveyancing in Peckham. For a start developers usually insist contracts to exchange within a tight deadline, the result being a a great deal of pressure on your property lawyer to ensure all is in order. Furthermore new build conveyancing often involve the checking of adoption of highways, drains, planning considerations, building warranties or architects certificates. Bank requirements are also more detailed. Taking into account the complex nature of the process for these types of properties, the conveyancing new build fees are higher than normal.