In looking at online forums for a high-quality lawyer in Tufnell Park, most post that I must use a CQS kitemarked solicitor. What is CQS?

The Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) provides a recognised quality standard for residential conveyancing practices issued by the Law Society. Membership achievement establishes a level of credibility for member firms with stakeholders (regulators, lenders, insurers and consumers) based upon: * the integrity of the senior responsible officer and other key conveyancing staff * the firm's adherence to good practice management standards * adherence to prudent and efficient conveyancing processes through the scheme protocol Membership covers many companies who execute conveyancing in Tufnell Park.

We are purchasing a house in Tufnell Park. It might be a silly question but how we can trust a solicitor? On the day of competition we have to put money into their account. What is the protection we have from them run away with our money?

Be assured that all money in a Solicitors client account is 100% safe, and even if your Solicitor ran off with it, the Law Society would reimburse you fully.

My father advised me that in buying a property in Tufnell Park there could be various restrictions affecting the ability to carry out external changes to the property. Is this right?

We are aware of a number of properties in Tufnell Park which have some sort of restriction or requirement of consent to execute external changes. Part of the conveyancing in Tufnell Park should determine what restrictions are applicable and advising you as part of a ROT that should be sent to you.

Please help - my lawyer says that breach of easement insurance is needed on my purchase. What is the level of cover for Tufnell Park conveyancing?

The right level of breach of easement indemnity insurance depends on your lender. It would differ for example between Birmingham Midshires and The Mortgage Works. Conveyancing solicitors as opposed to borrowers take out such policies.

Should our solicitor be raising enquiries concerning flooding as part of the conveyancing in Tufnell Park.

The risk of flooding is if increasing concern for lawyers dealing with homes in Tufnell Park. Some people will buy a property in Tufnell Park, completely expectant that at some time, it may suffer from flooding. However, aside from the physical damage, if a property is at risk of flooding, it may be difficult to get a mortgage, suitable insurance cover, or dispose of the premises. Steps can be carried out as part of the conveyancing process to forewarn the buyer.

Conveyancers are not best placed to impart advice on flood risk, however there are a numerous checks that can be undertaken by the buyer or on a buyer’s behalf which should give them a better appreciation of the risks in Tufnell Park. The standard property information forms given to a buyer’s conveyancer (where the Conveyancing Protocol is adopted) incorporates a standard inquiry of the owner to discover if the property has ever been flooded. In the event that flooding has previously occurred and is not disclosed by the owner, then a purchaser could bring a compensation claim stemming from an misleading answer. A purchaser’s lawyers will also conduct an environmental report. This should indicate whether there is any known flood risk. If so, more detailed inquiries should be conducted.

In my capacity as executor for the will of my grandmother I am disposing of a property in Cardiff but live in Tufnell Park. My lawyer (approximately 200 miles awayrequires that I sign a statutory declaration prior to the transaction finalising. Can you recommend a conveyancing solicitor in Tufnell Park to witness this legal document for me?

Technically speaking you should not be required to have the documents witnessed by a conveyancing solicitor. Normally any notary public or solicitor will suffice regardless of whether they are Tufnell Park based

Can you offer any advice when it comes to choosing a Tufnell Park conveyancing practice to deal with our lease extension?

When appointing a solicitor for lease extension works (regardless if they are a Tufnell Park conveyancing firm) it is essential that he or she should be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of conveyancing. We recommend that you speak with several firms including non Tufnell Park conveyancing practices prior to instructing a firm. If the firm is ALEP accredited then so much the better. The following questions might be of use:

What are the legal fees for lease extension conveyancing? If the firm is not ALEP accredited then what is the reason?

I am the registered owner of a ground floor flat in Tufnell Park. Given that I can not reach agreement with the landlord, can the Leasehold valuation Tribunal make a decision on the amount due for the purchase of the freehold?

You certainly can. We can put you in touch with a Tufnell Park conveyancing firm who can help.

An example of a Lease Extension matter before the tribunal for a Tufnell Park residence is Flat 2 27 Mackeson Road in December 2012. The Tribunal assessed the value of the lease extension premium at £35,435 and rounded the figure to £35,500 This case related to 1 flat. The unexpired term was 64.77 years.