After reading consumer advice sites for a recommended lawyer in Aberbargoed, most say that I should instruct a CQS assured solicitor. Can you explain what CQS is?

Aberbargoed Conveyancing Quality Scheme solicitors have been granted certification by the law Society CQS was created to establish evidence of quality standards in the in the legal transfer of properties. CQS enables consumers to recognise practices who provide a quality residential conveyancing. Aberbargoed is one of the many areas in England and Wales in which CQS are located. The scheme requires law firms to undergo a strict assessment, compulsory training, self-reporting, spot checks and annual reviews 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 Building Societies Association.

I used Stirling Law a few years past for my conveyancing in Aberbargoed. I now require my papers however the law firm has closed. What do I do?

You should call 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 Aberbargoed of the conveyancing firm of solicitors you previously used, the name of conveyancing solicitor with whom you had dealings, and the date on which you last had dealings with the firm.

I opted to have a survey carried out on a house in Aberbargoed in advance of appointing conveyancers. I have been advised that there is a flying freehold aspect to the property. My surveyor has said that some lenders may not grant a loan on a flying freehold home.

It varies from the lender to lender. Lloyds has different requirements for example to Birmingham Midshires. If you contact us we can investigate further via the relevant lender. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can assist as they are used to dealing with flying freeholds in Aberbargoed. Conveyancing may be slightly more expensive based on your lender's requirements.

How easy is it to use the search app to choose a conveyancing lawyer in Aberbargoed on the approved list for my mortgage?

First pick a bank such as National Westminster Bank, The Mortgage Works or Alliance & Leicester then type in your location for example Aberbargoed. Conveyancing practices in Aberbargoed and nationally will then be shown.

My partner and I have an offer in principle from Virgin Money who have advised that they will lend up to £300k. At what point do I need to appoint a practitioner for conveyancing? Aberbargoed is where we are buying.

It would be wise to instruct a lawyer now requesting that they generate a file on your behalf. This will kickstart: 1) the selling agent to send out the Sales Memo to all parties 2) the seller’s property lawyer to send out the draft contract. However, do not ask your conveyancing practitioner to order searches until you have your valuation report via Virgin Money and you are willing to proceed.