In reading consumer advice sites for a recommended lawyer in Lewisham, most advise that I should use a CQS accredited lawyer. What is CQS?

The Law Society's Conveyancing Quality Scheme is the recognised quality mark for legal experts in buying or selling property, trusted by some of the UK's major banks. In 2011-12 the Conveyancing Quality Scheme was officially recognised by the Building Societies Association (BSA). The scheme does not cover licenced conveyancers. Lewisham is one of the numerous areas of the UK where there are CQS lawyers.

Yesterday I discovered that there is a flying freehold element on a house I put an offer in last month in what should have been a quick, chain free conveyancing. Lewisham is where the house is located. What do you suggest?

Flying freeholds in Lewisham are rare but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even though you don't necessarily need a conveyancing solicitor in Lewisham you must be sure that your lawyer goes through the deeds very carefully. Your lender may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Lewisham may determine that this is not enough and that the deeds be re-written to give you the most up to date legal protection. If so, the next door neighbour also had to sign up to the revised deeds.It is possible that your lender will not accept the situation so the sooner you find out the better. You should also check with your insurance broker as to whether they will insure a flying freehold residence.

How can the Landlord & Tenant Act 1954 impact my business premises in Lewisham and how can your lawyers assist?

The 1954 Act provides security of tenure to business tenants, granting the legal entitlement to make a request to court for a continuation of occupancy at the end of an expired lease. There are certain specified grounds where a landlord can refuse a lease renewal and the rules are complicated. Fees are different for commercial conveyancing. Lewisham is one of our hundreds of areas of the UK in which our lawyers are located

I am looking for a conveyancing practitioner in Lewisham for my purchase. Is there any facility to see a firm’s complaints history with the legal regulator?

You can see presented Solicitor Regulator Association (SRA) determinations arising from investigations commenced on or after Jan 2008. Visit Check a solicitor's record. To find details about the period before 1 January 2008, or to check a firm's record, 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, use +44 (0)121 329 6800. The regulator may monitor call for training purposes.

If all goes to plan we aim to complete the disposal of our £350,000 maisonette in Lewisham next week. The freeholder has quoted £312 for Landlord’s certificate, building insurance schedule and previous years statements of service charge. Is the landlord entitled to charge an administration fee for a flat conveyance in Lewisham?

Lewisham conveyancing on leasehold apartments more often than not necessitates the buyer’s conveyancer submitting questions for the landlord to address. Although the landlord is under no legal obligation to answer these enquiries the majority will be willing to assist. They may levy a reasonable charge for answering enquiries or supplying documentation. There is no set fee. The average costs for the paperwork that you are referring to is £350, in some transactions it is in excess of £800. The administration charge demanded by the landlord must be accompanied by a summary of entitlements and obligations in relation to administration fees, otherwise the invoice is not strictly payable. Reality however dictates that one has little option but to pay whatever is demanded should you wish to sell the property.

I have had difficulty in trying to purchase the freehold in Lewisham. Can the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal adjudicate on premiums?

in cases where there is a absentee landlord or if there is disagreement about what the lease extension should cost, under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 it is possible to make an application to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) to calculate the amount due.

An example of a Lease Extension case for a Lewisham property is 73 Walerand Road in August 2012. the result of the findings of the Tribunal led to a premium to be paid for the extended lease in respect of Flat 73 in the sum of £10,040. The premium applicable in respect of Flat 85 was £5,710. This case was in relation to 2 flats. The remaining number of years on the lease was 72 years.