In researching moneysavingexpert.com for a cheap lawyer in Melbourn, most post that I must instruct a CQS kitemarked solicitor. What is CQS?

Melbourn Conveyancing Quality Scheme solicitors have obtained certification under the Law Society's Scheme (CQS) The Law Society introduced CQS to establish evidence of quality standards in the home legal process. CQS enables buyers and sellers to recognise practices that provide a quality residential conveyancing. Melbourn is one of locations in England and Wales in which CQS have offices. The conveyancing scheme requires solicitors to undergo a strict assessment, compulsory training, self-certification, spot checks and yearly assessments in order to maintain CQS status. It is open only to members of the Law Society who meet the demanding standards set by the scheme and has the support of the Association of British Insurers.

I've recently found out that there is a flying freehold issue on a house I have offered on a fortnight ago in what should have been a simple, chain free conveyancing. Melbourn is the location of the property. Can you offer any opinion?

Flying freeholds in Melbourn are rare but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even where you use a solicitor outside Melbourn 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 Melbourn 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.

I have been recommended by numerous estate agents in Melbourn to find a solicitor using your seach tool. Is there a financial advantage for Estate Agents to market your services ahead of a competitor’s?

We refuse to offer any referral fee for sending work to this site. We found it would be just too difficult to pay a commission because home movers will think, ‘Why is the agent getting a kickback? Why am I not getting any benefit too?’ So we decided to step away from that.

Am I best advised to instruct a Melbourn conveyancing lawyer based in the vicinity that I am hoping to buy? I have an old university friend who can deal with the conveyancing but his firm is located 400miles away.

The benefit of a high street Melbourn conveyancing firm is that you can visit the firm to execute documents, deliver your identification documents and apply pressure on them where appropriate. Having local Melbourn know how is a bonus. However nothing is more important than finding someone that will do a good and efficient job. If other friends have used your friend and in the main were happy that must trump using an unknown Melbourn conveyancing lawyer solely due to them being round the corner.

Last January I purchased a leasehold house in Melbourn. Am I liable to pay service charges relating to a period prior to my ownership?

In a situation where the service charge has already been demanded from the previous owner and they have not paid you would not usually be personally liable for the arrears. Strange as it may seem, your landlord may still be able to take action to forfeit the lease. A critical element of leasehold conveyancing for your conveyancer to be sure to have an up to date clear service charge receipt before completion of your purchase. If you have a mortgage this is likely to be a requirement of your lender.

If you purchase part way through an accounting year you may be liable for charges not yet demanded even if they relate to a period prior to your purchase. In such circumstances your conveyancer would normally arrange for the seller to set aside some money to cover their part of the period (usually called a service charge retention).

I purchased a leasehold flat in Melbourn, conveyancing formalities finalised August 2006. How much will my lease extension cost? Corresponding properties in Melbourn with over 90 years remaining are worth £211,000. The average or mid-range amount of ground rent is £45 per annum. The lease runs out on 21st October 2091

With 67 years remaining on your lease the likely cost is going to span between £10,500 and £12,000 as well as 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 in the absence of comprehensive due diligence. You should not use the figures in a Notice of Claim or as an informal offer. There may be additional concerns that need to be taken into account and clearly you want to be as accurate as possible in your negotiations. Please do not take any other action based on this information before getting professional advice.