As someone unfamiliar with the Clifton conveyancing process what is the number one tip you can give me for the ownership transfer in Clifton

You may not hear this from too many lawyers but conveyancing in Clifton and elsewhere in Bristol is an adversarial process. Put another way, when it comes to conveyancing there is an abundance of opportunity for conflict between you and others involved in the ownership transfer. E.g., the vendor, property agent and sometimes your lender. Choosing a lawyer for your conveyancing in Clifton is a critical decision as your conveyancer is your adviser, and is the SOLE party in the legal process whose interest is to protect your best interests and to keep you safe.

There is a definite emergence in the "blame" culture- someone has to be blamed for the process taking so long. You must always trust your conveyancer ahead of the other players in the conveyancing process.

After looking at moneysavingexpert.com for a conveyancing lawyer in Clifton, many advise that I must instruct a CQS kitemarked solicitor. 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 * compliance with best practice conveyancing procedures through the scheme protocol Membership covers numerous organisations who handle conveyancing in Clifton.

I am looking for a ground for flat up to £245,000 and found one close by in Clifton I like with open areas and transport links nearby, however it's only got 61 remaining years left on the lease. I can't really find anything else in Clifton for this price, so just wondered if I would be making a mistake purchasing a lease with such few years left?

Should you require a home loan the shortness of the lease will be an issue. Reduce the price by the amount the lease extension will cost if not already taken into account. If the existing proprietor has owned the property for a minimum of twenty four months you can request that they start the process of the extension and pass it to you. An additional ninety years can be extended on to the current lease and have £0 ground rent by law. You should consult your conveyancing solicitor about this matter.

My step-father has encouraged me to use his conveyancers in Clifton. Should I use them?

There are no two ways about it the best way to find a conveyancing solicitor is to have referrals from friends or relatives who have used the conveyancer that you are contemplating using.

I have just appointed agents to market my 2 bed apartment in Clifton.Conveyancing is yet to be initiated however I have just received a yearly service charge demand – Do I pay up?

Your conveyancing lawyer is likely to suggest that you should discharge the service charge as you normally would as all ground rent and maintenance payments should be allottedas part of the financial calculations for completion monies, so you will be reimbursed by the buyer for the period running from after the completion date to the next payment date. Most managing agents 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