We note that you have a search directory identifying firms on the Barclays conveyancing panel. Do firms pay you a commission if I appoint them for our own conveyancing in Downend?

We are a listing service only for law firms wishing to communicate if they are on the Barclays conveyancing panel or other lender panels. We do not charge referral fees to any conveyancer that you subsequently appoint for your conveyancing in Downend.

I have recentlydiscovered that Wolstenholmes have been shut down. They carried out my conveyancing in Downend for a purchase of a freehold house 9 months ago. How can I establish that my home is in my name in the name of the former proprietor?

The quickest method to see if the premises is registered to you, you can carry out a search of the land registry (£3.00). You can either do this yourself or ask a law firm to do this for you. If you are not registered you can seek help from one of a number of Downend conveyancing specialists.

I have been sourcing a conveyancing lawyer in Downend for my sale. Can I check a firm’s complaints history with the profession’s regulator?

One can find documented Solicitor Regulator Association (SRA) determinations resulting from investigations from 2008 onwards. Go to Check a solicitor's record. For details Pre 2008, or to check a firm's history, phone 0870 606 2555, 08.00 - 18.00 any week day save for Tuesday when lines open at 9.30am. For callers outside the UK, call +44 (0)121 329 6800. The SRA sometimes recorded call for training requirements.

I am hoping to put an offer on a small detached house that seems to be perfect, at a great price which is making it all the more appealing. I have since been informed that the title is leasehold rather than freehold. I am assuming that there are particular concerns buying a leasehold house in Downend. Conveyancing lawyers have are soon to be instructed. Will my lawyers set out the implications of buying a leasehold house in Downend ?

The majority of houses in Downend are freehold and not leasehold. This is one of the situations where having a local conveyancer who is familiar with the area who can assist with the conveyancing process. We note that you are purchasing in Downend in which case you should be shopping around for a Downend conveyancing practitioner and check that they have experience in transacting on leasehold houses. First you will need to check the unexpired lease term. As a lessee you will not be at liberty to do whatever you want with the house. The lease comes with conditions for example obtaining the landlord’spermission to conduct alterations. You may also be required to pay a maintenance charge towards the maintenance of the estate where the house is part of an estate. Your lawyer will report to you on the legal implications.

I own a split level flat in Downend, conveyancing formalities finalised February 2001. Can you shed any light on how much the price could be for a 90 year extension to my lease? Equivalent properties in Downend with a long lease are worth £227,000. The ground rent is £50 levied per year. The lease expires on 21st October 2097

With just 72 years unexpired we estimate the premium for your lease extension to be between £9,500 and £11,000 plus plus your own and the landlord's "reasonable" professional fees.

The suggested premium range that we have given is a general guide to costs for extending a lease, but we cannot give you the actual costs in the absence of detailed due diligence. You should not use the figures in a Notice of Claim or as an informal offer. There are no doubt other issues that need to be taken into account and clearly you want to be as accurate as possible in your negotiations. Please do not move forward based on this information before seeking the advice of a professional.

I am hoping to purchase a repossessed property in Downend and the vendor require completion inside 28 days. Can a conveyancing practitioner complete in this timeframe? Am I best advised to instruct a local Downend firm or an online conveyancer that advertises to complete quickly?

Visit your Downend high street. Go in to 3 firms and request to see a conveyancing solicitor for an estimate. Discuss your needs and get a commitment on time frames. Choose the one that appears most genuine. You need to choose a lawyer on the list of solicitors who can act for your bank.