I used Arc property Solicitors a few years ago for my conveyancing in Cowes. I now require my file but the law firm has closed. What do I do?

You should contact 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 Cowes of the conveyancing firm of solicitors you previously hired, the name of conveyancing solicitor with whom you had dealings, and the date on which you last had dealings with the firm.

I was pointed in your direction by a few property agents in Cowes to locate a property lawyer on your site. Is there a financial upside for Estate Agents to recommend your lawyers rather than a competitor’s?

We refuse to give any financial incentive for pointing buyers and sellers in our direction. We thought it would be too underhand to pay a commission as 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 better off to use a Cowes conveyancing solicitor based in the location that I am buying? An old friend can conduct the legal work however they are based 200miles away.

The benefit of a high street Cowes conveyancing firm is that you can pop in to sign documents, deliver your identification documents and pester them where appropriate. Having local Cowes know how is a plus. That being said it's more important to get someone that will do a good and efficient job. If other friends have instructed your friend and the majority were content that must outweigh using an unfamiliar Cowes conveyancing solicitor solely due to them being local.

Can you offer any advice when it comes to finding a Cowes conveyancing practice to deal with our lease extension?

When appointing a solicitor for lease extension works (regardless if they are a Cowes conveyancing firm) it is most important that they be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of conveyancing. We advise that you talk with several firms including non Cowes conveyancing practices prior to instructing a firm. Where the conveyancing practice is ALEP accredited then that’s a bonus. The following questions could be helpful:

What are the charges for lease extension work? Can they put you in touch with clients in Cowes who can give a testimonial?

Cowes Conveyancing for Leasehold Flats - Sample of Questions you should consider before Purchasing

In the main the cost for major works are not included within service charges, albeit that a few managing agents in Cowes ask leaseholders to pay into a sinking fund created for the specific intention of establishing a fund for major repairs or maintenance. How much is the annual maintenance fee and ground rent? Best to be warned whether redecorating or some other major work is coming up that will be shared by the leasehold owners and may well dramatically impact the level of the service costs or necessitate a one time payment.

Are all Cowes conveyancers on every bank conveyancing panel?

You can use our search tool or you can pop into your high street bank branch in Cowes. the probability is that they can recommend conveyancing solicitors in Cowes