After looking at mumsnet.com for an affordable lawyer in Chatteris, many comment that I must look for a CQS assured solicitor. Can you explain what CQS is?
The Law Society's Conveyancing Quality Scheme is the recognised quality mark for legal experts in the legal transfer of properties, trusted by some of the UK's major lenders. Four years ago the Conveyancing Quality Scheme was officially recognised by the Building Societies Association (BSA). CQS is not a scheme offered by the Society for Licensed Conveyancers. Chatteris is one of the numerous areas of the UK where there are CQS lawyers.
I used Wolstenholmes several years past for my conveyancing in Chatteris. I now require my papers however cannot find the solicitor. What do I do?
Do contact the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) to assist in tracking down your conveyancing files. They can be contacted on please contact on 0870 606 2555. Alternatively, you should use their online form to make an enquiry. You will need to provide the SRA with as much information as possible to assist their search, including the name and address in Chatteris of the conveyancing firm of solicitors you previously hired, the name of conveyancing solicitor with whom you had dealings, and the date on which you last had dealings with the firm.
How does conveyancing in Chatteris differ for newly converted properties?
Most buyers of new build property in Chatteris approach us having been asked by the housebuilder to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the house is constructed. This is because house builders in Chatteris usually buy the real estate, plan the estate and want to get the plots sold off as they are building the properties. Buyers, therefore, will have to exchange contracts without actually seeing the house they are buying. To reduce the chances of losing the property, buyers should instruct conveyancers as soon as the property is reserved and mortgage applications should be submitted quickly. Due to the fact that it could be several months and even years between exchange of contracts and completion, the mortgage offer may need to be extended. It would be wise to use a lawyer who specialises in new build conveyancing especially if they are accustomed to new build conveyancing in Chatteris or who has acted in the same development.
Taking into account that I am about to spend 450k on a garden flat in Chatteris I wish to talk to a lawyer about myconveyancing ahead of instructing the firm. Can this be arranged?
This is something that we encourage - it is our preference to talk to you we do not take any clients on without you first talking to the solicitor who will be doing your conveyancing in Chatteris.There is no ‘factory style conveyancing’ - every client is unique individual, not a case number. The practices that we put you in touch with believe that the figure you are quoted for your conveyancing in Chatteris should be the figure that you are charged.
My husband and I are FTB’s - agreed a price, but the selling agent advised that the owners will only issue a contract if we instruct the agent's chosen conveyancers as they are insisting on an ‘expedited deal’. Our preferred option is to instruct a family conveyancer who is familiar with conveyancing in Chatteris
We suspect that the seller is unaware of this requirement. Should the seller require ‘a quick sale', taking such a hostile approach to a motivated purchaser is not the way to achieve this. Avoid the agents and go straight to the sellers and make the point that (a)you are genuine purchasers (b)you are ready to go, with mortgage lined up © you are chain free (d) you wish to move quickly (e)however you are going to use your preferred Chatteris conveyancing lawyers - as opposed tothe ones that will earn their negotiator at the agency a kickback or achieve conveyancing thresholds set by HQ.
Can you offer any advice when it comes to appointing a Chatteris conveyancing practice to deal with our lease extension?
If you are instructing a property lawyer for your lease extension (regardless if they are a Chatteris conveyancing practice) it is most important that he or she should be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of work. We recommend that you make enquires with two or three firms including non Chatteris conveyancing practices before you instructing a firm. If the firm is ALEP accredited then so much the better. The following questions could be useful:
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What are the charges for lease extension work? Can they put you in touch with clients in Chatteris who can give a testimonial?
Chatteris Leasehold Conveyancing - Examples of Questions you should ask Prior to buying
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Please tell me if there are any major works anticipated that will add a premium to the service charges? It is important to be aware whether a new roof is being installed or some other significant cost is due shortly that will be shared between the leaseholders and may well materially increase the the service costs or result in a one time invoice. On the whole the outlay for major works tend not to be included within service charges, although a few managing agents in Chatteris require leasehold owners to pay into a reserve fund and this is used to offset against larger repairs or maintenance.