After reviewing mumsnet.com for a recommended lawyer in Oldham, many post that I must look for a CQS assured solicitor. What is CQS?

Oldham Conveyancing Quality Scheme practices have obtained accreditation under the Law Society's Scheme (CQS) The Law Society established CQS to promote high standards in the in the legal transfer of properties. CQS enables buyers and sellers to identify solicitor firms that provide a quality residential conveyancing. Oldham is one of locations in England and Wales in which CQS have offices. The conveyancing scheme obliges law firms to undergo a strict assessment, compulsory training, self-reporting, random audits and yearly assessments in order to maintain CQS status. It is available to solicitors and not licensed conveyancers and has the support of the Legal Ombudsman.

What can a local search inform me concerning the property I am purchasing in Oldham?

Oldham conveyancing often commences with the submitting local authority searches directly from your local Authority or via a personal search organisations for instance Xpress Legal The local search plays an important part in many a Oldham conveyancing purchase; as long as you don’t want any nasty once you have moved into your new home. The search will supply information on, amongst other things, details on planning applications relevant to the premises (whether granted or refused), building control history, any enforcement action, restrictions on permitted development, nearby road schemes, contaminated land and radon gas; in all a total of 13 topic headings.

How does conveyancing in Oldham differ for new build properties?

Most buyers of new build residence in Oldham come to us having been asked by the developer to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the property is finished. This is because builders in Oldham typically buy the real estate, plan the estate and want to get the plots sold off as they are building the properties. Buyers, therefore, will have to exchange contracts without actually seeing the house they are buying. To reduce the chances of losing the property, buyers should instruct conveyancing solicitors as soon as the property is reserved and mortgage applications should be submitted quickly. Due to the fact that it could be several months and even years between exchange of contracts and completion, the mortgage offer may need to be extended. It would be wise to use a lawyer who specialises in new build conveyancing especially if they are accustomed to new build conveyancing in Oldham or who has acted in the same development.

I opted to have a survey done on a property in Oldham ahead of retaining conveyancers. I have been informed that there is a flying freehold overhang to the property. My surveyor has said that some banks will not give a loan on a flying freehold property.

It depends who your proposed lender is. HSBC has different requirements from Nationwide. Should you wish to telephone us we can look into this further with the appropriate lender. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can assist as they are used to dealing with flying freeholds in Oldham. Conveyancing will be smoother if you use a solicitor in Oldham especially if they are acquainted with such properties in Oldham.

Expecting to complete next month on a leasehold property in Oldham. Conveyancing solicitors have said that they will have a report out to me within the next couple of days. What should I be looking out for?

The report on title for your leasehold conveyancing in Oldham should include some of the following:

Where does the liability rest for maintaining the window frames Whether your lease has a provision for a reserve fund for major works? What the implications are if you have contravened the provisions of the lease? Will you be prohibited or prevented from having pets in the property?

Leasehold Conveyancing in Oldham - A selection of Questions you should ask before Purchasing

Are any of leasehold owners in arrears of their service charge liability? Who are the managing agents? If a Oldham lease has less than 80 years it will impact the salability of the property. Check with your mortgage company that they are willing to to proceed given the lease term. Leases with less than 80 years remaining means that you will probably have to extend the lease sooner rather than later and it is worth finding out what this will be. For most Oldhamlease extensions you will be required to have owned the premises for a couple of years before you are legally able to extend the lease.