Having spent time researching online forums for a cheap lawyer in Didsbury, many comment that I must use a CQS kitemarked lawyer. What is CQS?

Didsbury Conveyancing Quality Scheme law firms have been granted accreditation by the law Society CQS was brought about to establish evidence of quality standards in the in the legal transfer of properties. CQS helps home movers to recognise practices who provide a quality residential conveyancing. Didsbury is one of locations in England and Wales in which accredited firms have offices. The conveyancing scheme requires practices to undergo a strict assessment, compulsory training, self-reporting, random audits 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 Legal Ombudsman.

I am helping my niece sell her flat in Didsbury. Will the conveyancer commission the energy performance certificate or it is for the seller to see to?

Following the demise of Home Information Packs, energy assessments was left as a mandatory element of moving house. An EPC must be to hand prior to the property being advertised. This is not a task that conveyancers ordinarily arrange. If you are using a Didsbury conveyancing practitioner they might help arrange EPC’s given their relationships with long established local providers

We have agreed to purchase a house in Didsbury. A rare aspect is that the roof has a solar panel. Solicitors conducting should look into this right? Will my lender Bank of Ireland be concerned?

As your lender is Bank of Ireland your lawyer must check the formal requirements outlined in Part 2 of UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook for Bank of Ireland. The Council of Mortgage Lenders’ Handbook includes minimum provisions for solar panel roof-space leases, and conveyancers are required to report to Bank of Ireland where a lease does not meet these provisions. The requirements relate to the installation of panels on properties nationwide and is not restricted to Didsbury.

I have decided to exercise my right to buy my property in Didsbury off the council. I have a mortgage offer with Clydesdale. Conveyancing is new to me. Can I proceed without a solicitor easily? I think we can but we keep being told I should have one. Any advice?

It is not advisable to proceed with a house purchase without a solicitor. The council's solicitor are not acting for you. You need a solicitor for a number reasons. One of which is to verify what plans the Council have for repairs and refurbishment for the next five years. Many leaseholders have been stung for contributions of thousands of pounds. In any event, if you are getting a mortgage with Clydesdale, you will need to appoint a solicitor on the Clydesdale conveyancing panel.

I am buying a new build flat in Didsbury. Conveyancing is a frightening process at the best of times but I have never purchased a new build flat before. What sort of enquires would be asked in new build conveyancing.

Here is a sample of a few leasehold new build questions that you can expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Didsbury

Where there is an Undertaking being granted there is the risk of forfeiture of the Headlease subject to relief if one or more of the Underlessees are willing to accept the original Head Lessee’s obligations as otherwise relief will be denied to the Underlessees. The only alternatives are the Head Lessor agreeing not to forfeit the Headlease or the Head Lessee guaranteeing to the Underlessees that it will not be in breach of the Headlease. Will the freehold then be transferred for a nominal consideration (not exceeding £100) to the Management Company? Investor purchasers must be able to freely grant unsecured tenancies at market rents without requiring any consents. Please confirm the Lease plans are architect prepared.

Due to the advice of my in-laws I had a survey completed on a property in Didsbury before retaining conveyancers. I have been told that there is a flying freehold overhang to the property. My surveyor has said that some lenders may not give a mortgage on a flying freehold property.

It depends who your proposed lender is. HSBC has different requirements from Halifax. Should you wish to telephone us we can investigate further via the relevant lender. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can help as they are accustomed to dealing with flying freeholds in Didsbury. Conveyancing may be slightly more expensive based on your lender's requirements.

My cousin has suggested that I use his conveyancers in Didsbury. Should I use them?

No doubt the ideal way to find a conveyancing solicitor is to get recommendations from friends or family who have used the firm you're are thinking of instructing.