It has come to my attention via my mortgage adviser that my Gedling solicitor is not on the mortgage company Conveyancing panel. How can I be certain that this is indeed the case?

You need to contact your Gedling lawyer directly. It is reasonable to expect your lawyer to inform you what has happened. If they are not on the panel they may recommend you to a Gedling conveyancing firm that is on the approved list of lawyers for your lender.

Having spent time looking at mumsnet.com for a cheap lawyer in Gedling, most say that I should instruct a CQS kitemarked lawyer. Can you explain what CQS is?

Gedling Conveyancing Quality Scheme solicitors have obtained accreditation by the law Society CQS was established to promote high standards in the home legal process. CQS enables home movers to recognise solicitor firms that provide a quality residential conveyancing. Gedling is one of the many areas in England and Wales in which CQS are based. The conveyancing scheme obliges law firms to undergo a strict assessment, compulsory training, self-certification, random audits and annual reviews in order to maintain CQS status. It is available to solicitors and not licensed conveyancers and has the support of the Council of Mortgage Lenders.

How does conveyancing in Gedling differ for new build properties?

Most buyers of new build residence in Gedling approach us having been asked by the seller to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the premises is built. This is because developers in Gedling 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 conveyancers 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 Gedling or who has acted in the same development.

I've recently found out that there is a flying freehold element on a property I have offered on two weeks back in what should have been a simple, chain free conveyancing. Gedling is where the house is located. What do you suggest?

Flying freeholds in Gedling are not the norm but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even where you use a solicitor outside Gedling you must be sure that your lawyer goes through the deeds diligently. Your bank may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Gedling may ascertain that this is not enough and that the deeds be re-written to give you the most up to date legal protection. If so, the next door neighbour also had to sign up to the revised deeds.It is possible that your lender will not accept the situation so the sooner you find out the better. You should also check with your insurance broker as to whether they will insure a flying freehold premises.

I've found a house that appears to be perfect, at a reasonable price which is making it more attractive. I have just found out that it's a leasehold rather than freehold. I am assuming that there are particular concerns buying a house with a leasehold title in Gedling. Conveyancing lawyers have not yet been instructed. Will they explain the issues?

The majority of houses in Gedling are freehold rather than leasehold. This is one of the situations where having a local conveyancer used to dealing with such properties who can assist with the conveyancing process. It is clear that you are purchasing in Gedling so you should seriously consider looking for a Gedling conveyancing practitioner and be sure that they are used to advising on leasehold houses. As a matter of priority you will need to check the unexpired lease term. As a lessee you will not be entirely free to do whatever you want with the house. The lease comes with conditions for example requiring the freeholder’sconsent to carry out alterations. You may also be required to pay a maintenance charge towards the upkeep of the communal areas where the house is located on an estate. Your conveyancer will advise you fully on all the issues.

Gedling Leasehold Conveyancing - Sample of Queries before buying

What is the the remaining lease term? You should be aware if it is no more than eighty years it will have adverse implications on the marketability of the apartment. Check with your mortgage company that they are happy with remaining years on the lease. A short lease means that you will probably need a lease extension sooner rather than later and you need to have some idea of how much this would cost. For most Gedlinglease extensions you would need to own the residence for two years in order to be eligible to carry out a lease extension. Who are the managing agents?