After scouring moneysavingexpert.com for a conveyancing lawyer in Westbourne, many comment that I should instruct a CQS kitemarked solicitor. Can you explain what CQS is?
Westbourne Conveyancing Quality Scheme practices have obtained accreditation under the Law Society's Scheme (CQS) The Law Society created CQS to establish evidence of quality standards in the in the legal transfer of properties. CQS helps consumers to recognise practices that provide a quality residential conveyancing. Westbourne is one of the many areas in England and Wales in which accredited firms are located. The scheme requires law firms to undergo a strict assessment, compulsory training, self-certification, spot checks and yearly assessments in order to maintain CQS status. It is available to solicitors and not licensed conveyancers and has the support of the Legal Ombudsman.
It has been 2 months following my purchase conveyancing in Westbourne completed. I have checked the Land Registry website which shows that I paid £200,000 when infact I paid £170,000. Why the discrepancy?
The price paid figure is taken from the application to register the purchase. It is the figure included in the Transfer (the legal deed which transfers the residence from one person to the other) and referred to as the 'consideration' or purchase price. You can report an error in the price paid figure using the LR online form. In most cases errors result from typos so at first glance the figure. Do report it so they can double check and advise.
I am looking for a leasehold apartment up to £245,000 and identified one round the corner in Westbourne I like with open areas and railway links in the vicinity, however it's only got 61 years on the lease. There is not much else in Westbourne in this price bracket, so just wondered if I would be making a grave error purchasing a short lease?
If you require a home loan that many years will likely be a potential deal breaker. Reduce the price by the amount the lease extension will cost if not already taken into account. If the current proprietor has owned the premises for a minimum of twenty four months you can request that they commence the lease extension formalities and pass it to you. You can add 90 years to the current lease with a zero ground rent applied. You should speak to your conveyancing solicitor regarding this matter.
Do I need to be wary about brokers that I am dealing with are recommending a web based conveyancing firm as opposed to a High Street Westbourne conveyancing firm?
As is the case with many service providers, often referrals from family and friends can be worth their weight in gold. But there are many players in a conveyancing transaction; estate agents, financial adviser and lenders might all suggest conveyancers to use. Sometimes the solicitors might be known to one of the organisations as being good in their field, but sometimes there may be a financial incentive behind the endorsement. You are free to select your preferred lawyer. You need to be aware that some lenders specify a panel list of solicitors you must use for the mortgage related work in your house move.
My father has suggested that I instruct his conveyancers in Westbourne. Should I use them?
There are no two ways about it the best way to find a conveyancing solicitor is to have recommendations from friends or relatives who have previously instructed the conveyancer that you are are thinking of instructing.