I am acquiring a property mortgage free in Redland. I have resided for the last twelve years in Redland. Conveyancing searches are a lot of money. As I have knowledge of the road and vicinity intimately should I not bother getting the solicitor to do all the conveyancing searches?

In the absence of a home loan, then almost all of the Redland conveyancing searches are optional. Your solicitor will 'advise', perhaps strongly, that you should have searches completed, but he is duty bound to take that path of advice. Do bear in mind; if you are likely to dispose of the house at a future date, it will likely be be of importance to your future purchaser what the searches disclose. Sometimes premises with apparent issues can still reveal unexpected search results. A good conveyancing solicitor in Redland should be able to give you some sensible advice in this regard.

When looking at consumer advice sites for a recommended solicitor in Redland, most say that I must look for a CQS kitemarked lawyer. What is CQS?

Redland Conveyancing Quality Scheme law firms have been granted accreditation under the Law Society's Scheme (CQS) The Law Society introduced CQS to promote high standards in the in the legal transfer of properties. CQS enables consumers to recognise practices who provide a quality residential conveyancing. Redland is one of locations in England and Wales in which CQS are based. The conveyancing scheme obliges law firms to undergo a strict assessment, compulsory training, self-certification, spot checks 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 purchasing a new build house in Redland with the aid of help to buy. The builders refused to reduce the amount so I negotiated five thousand pounds worth of additionals instead. The property agent told me not reveal to my solicitor about this side-deal as it could jeopardize my loan with Nottingham Building Society. Is this normal?.

All lenders require a Disclosure of Incentives Form from the builder of any new build, converted or renovated property, It is available online from the Lenders’ Handbook page on the CML website. CML form is completed and handed to the lender's surveyor when the inspection is done.

Lenders have different policies on incentives. Some accept none at all, cash or physical, while others will accept cash incentives up to 5%.

Hard to understand why the representative of a builder would be suggesting you withold information from a solicitor when all this will be clearly visible on forms the builder has to supply to its solicitor, the buyer's solicitor and the surveyor.

Due to the advice of my in-laws I had a survey completed on a house in Redland ahead of retaining solicitors. I have been advised that there is a flying freehold aspect to the property. The surveyor advised that some banks may refuse to grant a loan on such a premises.

It varies from the lender to lender. Lloyds has different requirements from Birmingham Midshires. If you call us we can check via the appropriate mortgage company. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can help as they are used to dealing with flying freeholds in Redland. Conveyancing will be smoother if you use a solicitor in Redland especially if they regularly deal with such properties in Redland.

I have been recommended by a few estate agents in Redland to get a quote from a solicitor on your site. What’s the financial inducement for Estate Agents to promote your site ahead of a competitor’s?

We don’t give any financial incentive for directing people to this site. We thought it would be too underhand a fee because home movers will think, ‘Why is the agent getting a kickback? Why am I not receiving any benefit too?’ So we decided to step away from that.