We are purchasing a house and require a conveyancing solicitor in Hassocks who is on the Santander conveyancing panel. Can you recommend a local conveyancing firm?

Our service is limited to being a directory service for firms who wish to be listed as being on the approved conveyancing panel for Santander . We don't recommend any particular firms conducting conveyancing in Hassocks.

After looking at moneysavingexpert.com for an affordable solicitor in Hassocks, many comment that I should use a CQS accredited solicitor. What is CQS?

Hassocks Conveyancing Quality Scheme practices have achieved certification by the law Society The Law Society introduced CQS to promote high standards in the in the legal transfer of properties. CQS enables buyers and sellers to identify solicitor firms who provide a quality residential conveyancing. Hassocks is one of locations in England and Wales in which accredited firms are based. The scheme requires solicitors 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.

What is your number one tip for choosing a conveyancing solicitor in Hassocks

Do not opt for the cheapest Hassocks conveyancing costs illustration. You really do get what you’re paying for when it comes to property lawyers. A cheap quote may mean that the conveyancing solicitor is handling a lot of jobs at one time and you won’t get the quality of service and the attention that you need. It is, however, wise to use a conveyancer who has a fixed fee on a no sale, no fee basis. This way, you know exactly what you’ll have to pay in ahead of the deal.

I just acquired a flat at auction in Hassocks. Conveyancing is required. What are my next steps?

Having exchanged you should appoint a conveyancing practitioner quickly as you now have a tight a fixed date to complete the purchase. Every auction property should have a bespoke auction pack. This should include evidence of title and search results. Where you are dealing with leasehold premises the conveyancing pack may provide a copy of the lease, management information and a sellers leasehold information form and associated conveyancing paperwork pertinent to leasehold premises. You should give this to the solicitor working for you at the earliest opportunity. You also need to ensure that that you have the requisite funding in order to complete on the date specified in the contract.

The formalities of my purchase has taken place for my property in Hassocks. Conveyancing was satisfactory but I would like to complain about the lender. How does one go about formally complaining?

Almost all lenders have complaints procedures. Your first point of contact should be one of the lender’s branches or the Customer Care Team at head office. Ordinarily complaints to a lender are sorted out effectively and efficiently. If you feel the matter is not resolved you can write to Financial Ombudsman Service with full details of your complaint.

The deeds to my property are lost. The lawyers who dealt with the conveyancing in Hassocks 10 years ago have long since closed. What are my next steps?

You no longer need to have the physical official documentation to prove you are the registered proprietor of land or premises, as the Land Registry have everything they need in a digital format.

I am employed by a long established estate agent office in Hassocks where we have witnessed a few leasehold sales derailed as a result of short leases. I have been given conflicting advice from local Hassocks conveyancing firms. Could you confirm whether the vendor of a flat can instigate the lease extension formalities for the purchaser on completion of the sale?

Provided that the seller has been the owner for at least 2 years it is possible, to serve a Section 42 notice to start the lease extension process and assign the benefit of the notice to the purchaser. The benefit of this is that the proposed purchaser need not have to sit tight for 2 years to extend their lease. Both sets of lawyers will agree to form of assignment. The assignment needs to be completed prior to, or at the same time as completion of the disposal of the property.

Alternatively, it may be possible to extend the lease informally by agreement with the landlord either before or after the sale. If you are informally negotiating there are no rules and so you cannot insist on the landlord agreeing to grant an extension or transferring the benefit of an agreement to the purchaser.

I am the registered owner of a 1 bedroom flat in Hassocks, conveyancing having been completed 5 years ago. Can you let me have an estimate of the premium that my landlord can legally expect in return for granting a renewal of my lease? Equivalent flats in Hassocks with over 90 years remaining are worth £197,000. The ground rent is £55 per annum. The lease ends on 21st October 2079

With 54 years unexpired we estimate the premium for your lease extension to range between £32,300 and £37,400 plus costs.

The suggested premium range above 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 this information in tribunal or court proceedings. There may be other issues that need to be taken into account and clearly you want to be as accurate as possible in your negotiations. Neither should you take any other action placing reliance on this information without first seeking the advice of a professional.