We have very assertive vendors who has insisted on a preliminary agreement with a deposit of 5k. Are such agreements sensible?

This kind of agreement is unusual in Consett, conveyancers are often inclined to veer clients away from them as they detract from focusing on the primary focus, namely conveyancing and if you end up having your deposit forfeited then the lawyer at best left with an upset client and at worst a litigious one. In addition, there is no certainty that just because the owner has signed a lock out agreement they will sell to you. They may breach the agreement if they are offered sufficient financial inducement to do so because a wronged claimant with the benefit of a lockout agreement will still be duty bound to establish consequential losses from the breach and this may not compare to the extra amount that the owner may secure by breaking the agreement, no matter how morally shameful the behaviour is.

When researching mumsnet.com for a recommended solicitor in Consett, most advise that I must use a CQS accredited lawyer. Can you explain what CQS is?

The Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) provides a kitemark for residential conveyancing practices issued by the Law Society. Membership achievement establishes a level of credibility for member firms with stakeholders (regulators, lenders, insurers and consumers) based upon: * the integrity of the senior responsible officer and other key conveyancing staff * the firm's adherence to good practice management standards * adherence to best practice conveyancing processes through the scheme protocol the standard includes many organisations who conduct conveyancing in Consett.

I own a renovated Edwardian property in Consett. Conveyancing practitioner represented me and TSB. I did a free Land Registry search last week and I saw a couple of entries: one for freehold, the second leasehold under the exact same address. I'd like to know for sure, how can I find out??

You need to assess the Freehold register you have again and check the Charges Register for mention of a lease. The best way to be sure that you are also the registered owner of the leasehold and freehold title as well is to check (£3). It is not completely unheard of in Consett and other locations in the country and poses no real issues for owners other than when they remortgage they have to account for both freehold and leasehold interests when dealing with purchasers. You can also enquire as to the position with your conveyancing lawyer who completed the work.

I am looking into buying my first house which is in Consett and I am already nervous. I couldn't find anything specific about Consett. Conveyancing will be needed in due course but do you know about the Consett area? or perhaps some other tips you can share?

Rather than looking online forget looking online you should go and have a look at Consett. In the meantime here are some basic statistics that we found

I have just started marketing my 2 bed flat in Consett. Conveyancing has not commenced, however I have recently received a yearly maintenance charge invoice – should I leave it to the buyer to sort out?

The sensible thing to do is discharge the maintenance contribution as usual as all rents and maintenance invoices should be allotted on completion, so you will be reimbursed by the buyer for the period running from after the completion date to the next payment date. Most management companies will not acknowledge the buyer unless the service charges have been paid and are up to date, so it is important for both buyer and seller for the seller to show that they are up to date. This will smooth the conveyancing process.

I purchased a basement flat in Consett, conveyancing formalities finalised 8 years ago. Can you give me give me an indication of the likely cost of a lease extension? Similar properties in Consett with an extended lease are worth £197,000. The ground rent is £55 charged once a year. The lease finishes on 21st October 2079

You have 55 years unexpired we estimate the premium for your lease extension to be between £31,400 and £36,200 plus costs.

The figure above a general guide to costs for extending a lease, but we are not able to supply a more accurate figure without more detailed due diligence. You should not use this information in tribunal or court proceedings. There may be additional concerns that need to be considered and you obviously want to be as accurate as possible in your negotiations. Please do not move forward placing reliance on this information before seeking the advice of a professional.