When scouring mumsnet.com for a cheap solicitor in Gamlingay, many advise that I must use a CQS assured lawyer. Can you explain what CQS is?

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 via the scheme protocol It includes numerous partnerships who conduct conveyancing in Gamlingay.

I am assisting my sister sell her flat in Gamlingay. Will the conveyancer order the EPC or should I organise this?

Following the abolition of Home Packs, energy performance certificates was retained a compulsory component of selling a house. An energy performance certificate needs to be to hand before the property is placed on the market. This is not a task that law firms normally arrange. If you are using a Gamlingay conveyancing solicitor they might be willing to arrange energy assessments due to their contacts with long established local assessors

A relative pointed out to me me that in buying a property in Gamlingay there could be a number of restrictions limiting what one can do in terms of external alterations to a property. Is this right?

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

When it comes to mortgage companies such as , do Gamlingay have to pay a yearly amount to be on the conveyancing panel?

We are unaware of any bank fees to register on their panel, although some do charge an administration fee to deal with the processing of the conveyancing panel submission.

Due to the advice of my in-laws I had a survey completed on a property in Gamlingay prior to instructing conveyancers. I have been informed that there is a flying freehold element to the property. Our surveyor advised that some mortgage companies tend not grant a loan on such a premises.

It depends who your proposed lender is. Santander has different requirements for example to Birmingham Midshires. If you e-mail us we can investigate further with the appropriate bank. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can assist as they are accustomed to dealing with flying freeholds in Gamlingay. Conveyancing can be more complicated and therefore you should check with your conveyancing solicitor in Gamlingay to see if the conveyancing will be more expensive.

I need to appoint a conveyancing solicitor for some conveyancing in Gamlingay. I happened to land on a site which seems to have the ideal solution If there is a chance to get all formalities done via web that would be preferable. Should I be concerned? What should out be looking out for?

As usual with these online conveyancers you need to read ALL the small print - did you notice the extra charge for dealing with the mortgage?

I today plan to offer on a house that seems to be perfect, at a reasonable figure which is making it more attractive. I have subsequently found out that the title is leasehold rather than freehold. I would have thought that there are particular concerns purchasing a leasehold house in Gamlingay. Conveyancing advisers have not yet been instructed. Will my lawyers set out the risks of buying a leasehold house in Gamlingay ?

Most houses in Gamlingay are freehold and not leasehold. In this scenario it’s worth having a local solicitor who is familiar with the area who can assist with the conveyancing process. We note that you are purchasing in Gamlingay so you should seriously consider shopping around for a Gamlingay conveyancing practitioner and check that they are used to transacting on leasehold houses. First you will need to check the unexpired lease term. Being a leaseholder you will not be entirely free to do whatever you want to the property. The lease will likely included provisions such as obtaining the freeholder’spermission to carry out changes to the property. It may be necessary to pay a contribution towards the upkeep of the estate where the property is located on an estate. Your solicitor will advise you fully on all the issues.

I am the registered owner of a ground floor flat in Gamlingay, conveyancing formalities finalised 1995. Can you shed any light on how much the price could be for a 90 year extension to my lease? Comparable flats in Gamlingay with over 90 years remaining are worth £165,000. The ground rent is £45 per annum. The lease comes to an end on 21st October 50

You have 50 years remaining on your lease the likely cost is going to span between £36,100 and £41,800 as well as plus your own and the landlord's "reasonable" professional fees.

The suggested premium range above a general guide to costs for extending a lease, but we are not able to provide a more accurate figure in the absence of comprehensive investigations. You should not use this information in tribunal or court proceedings. There are no doubt other concerns that need to be taken into account and clearly you should be as accurate as possible in your negotiations. You should not take any other action placing reliance on this information without first getting professional advice.