At long last a mortgage agreement from NatWest for the remortgage of my single bedroom maisonette is coming imminently. Can you suggest a low cost conveyancing practitioner in Hanwell?

You have come to the wrong site to search for cut-price fees for conveyancing in Hanwell. We can offer you cost effective conveyancing but we do not aim to work with the cheapest lawyers. Do not be seduced by organisations offering low cost conveyancing in Hanwell. At best, in deciding on cheap conveyancing, you will receive what you pay for and at worst it will result in you spending a lot in additional fees and still not receive the service expected.

Having spent time researching consumer advice sites for a high-quality solicitor in Hanwell, most comment that I must instruct a CQS accredited lawyer. What is CQS?

Hanwell Conveyancing Quality Scheme practices have been granted accreditation under the Law Society's Scheme (CQS) CQS was brought about to establish evidence of quality standards in the home buying process. CQS helps consumers to identify practices that provide a quality residential conveyancing. Hanwell is one of the many areas in England and Wales in which accredited firms have a presence. The scheme obliges 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 Legal Ombudsman.

My wife and I own a semi-detached Victorian property in Hanwell. Conveyancing solicitor acted for me and Bank of Scotland. I did a free Land Registry search last week and there are a couple of entries: one for freehold, the second leasehold under the exact same address. Is it worth asking Bank of Scotland to clarify?

You need to read the Freehold register you have again and check the Charges Register as there may be mention of a lease. The best way to be sure that you are also the registered proprietor of the leasehold and freehold title as well is to check (£3). It is not completely unheard of in Hanwell and other areas of the country and poses no real issues for owners other than when they buy they have to account for both freehold and leasehold interests when dealing with purchasers. You can also enquire as to the situation with the conveyancing lawyer who carried out the work.

The estate agent has sent us the confirmation of our purchase of a new build flat in Hanwell. Conveyancing is daunting 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 legal work.

Set out below are examples of a selection of leasehold new build questions that you may expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Hanwell

The Vendor must covenant to keep unsold units in good repair until long leases are granted therefore. Has the Lease plan been approved by the Land Registry and if not when will they be lodged for this purpose? Will the freehold then be transferred for a nominal consideration (not exceeding £100) to the Management Company? Will control of the Management Company (if any) be handed over to purchasers on completion of the last sale or earlier? If there are lifts in the building, please confirm that the owners of flats on the ground and basement floors will not be required to contribute towards the cost of maintenance and renewal.

Do I need to be suspicious by brokers that I am dealing with are recommending an online conveyancing firm rather than a local Hanwell conveyancing practice?

As is the case with lots of service providers, often input from connections can be very helpful. But there are many parties with a vested interest in a conveyancing deal; estate agents, mortgage brokers and lenders may suggest conveyancers to appoint. On occasion the conveyancers might be known to one of the organisations as one of the best in their field, but sometimes there is an underlying commercial relationship behind the endorsement. You are free to appoint your own lawyer. You need to be aware that the majority of mortgage providers operate an approved list of lawyers you must use for the lender aspect of your house move.