After researching online forums for a conveyancing solicitor in Charlton, most comment that I should use a CQS accredited solicitor. What is CQS?

Charlton Conveyancing Quality Scheme law firms have achieved certification under the Law Society's Scheme (CQS) CQS was established to promote high standards in the in the legal transfer of properties. CQS enables buyers and sellers to identify practices that provide a quality residential conveyancing. Charlton is one of the many areas in England and Wales in which CQS are located. The scheme obliges solicitors to undergo a strict assessment, compulsory training, self-certification, random audits and yearly assessments in order to maintain CQS status. It is available to solicitors and not licensed conveyancers and has the support of the Council of Mortgage Lenders.

I have justfound out that Stirling Law have closed. They conducted my conveyancing in Charlton for a purchase of a leasehold apartment 12 months ago. How can I check that the property is in my name in the name of the former proprietor?

The easiest way to check if the premises is registered to you, you can make a search of the land registry (£3.00). You can either do this yourself or ask a law firm to do this for you. If you are not registered you can seek help from one of a number of Charlton conveyancing specialists.

In searching the internet for the term conveyancing in Charlton it brings up many solicitorsin the vicinity. How do I determine which is the right conveyancer for my move?

The best method of choosing a suitable conveyancer is via trusted testimonial, so seek the guidance of friends and relatives who have bought a property in Charlton or the reputable estate agent or mortgage broker. Charges for conveyancing in Charlton vary, so it's advisable to secure at least four costs illustrations from different conveyancers. Dont forget to clarify that the fees are fixed.

I today plan to offer on a house that appears to tick a lot of boxes, at a great price which is making it more attractive. I have just discovered that the title is leasehold as opposed to freehold. I am assuming that there are particular concerns purchasing a leasehold house in Charlton. Conveyancing advisers have are soon to be appointed. Will my lawyers set out the risks of buying a leasehold house in Charlton ?

The majority of houses in Charlton are freehold and not leasehold. This is one of the situations where having a local conveyancer who is familiar with the area who can help the conveyancing process. We note that you are purchasing in Charlton in which case you should be shopping around for a Charlton conveyancing practitioner and check that they are used to dealing with leasehold houses. As a matter of priority you will need to check the unexpired lease term. As a tenant you will not be at liberty to do whatever you want with the house. The lease comes with conditions for example obtaining the landlord’spermission to carry out changes to the property. You may also be required to pay a service charge towards the upkeep of the estate where the house is located on an estate. Your lawyer should advise you fully on all the issues.

I am the registered owner of a garden flat in Charlton, conveyancing having been completed in 1995. How much will my lease extension cost? Corresponding flats in Charlton with an extended lease are worth £165,000. The ground rent is £45 per annum. The lease terminates on 21st October 50

With only 50 years remaining on your lease we estimate the premium for your lease extension to be 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 the actual costs without more detailed investigations. You should not use the figures in a Notice of Claim or as an informal offer. There are no doubt additional 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 based on this information before getting professional advice.

I am an executor of my recently deceased mum’s Will, with a property in Charlton which will be marketed. The bungalow has never been registered at HMLR and I'm told that some buyers solicitors will insist that it is in place before they will proceed. What's the procedure for this?

In the circumstances that you have set out it seems advisable to seek to register in the names of the personal representative(s) as named in the probate and in their capacity as PRs. The Land Registry’s online guidance explains how to register for the first time and what is required re the deeds and forms. You would need to include and official copy of the probate as well and complete the form FR1 to refer to the PRs as the applicant.