When researching moneysavingexpert.com for a cheap lawyer in Cheltenham, many advise that I should use a CQS kitemarked solicitor. What is CQS?
Cheltenham Conveyancing Quality Scheme solicitors have obtained certification under the Law Society's Scheme (CQS) CQS was brought about to promote high standards in the in the legal transfer of properties. CQS helps house movers to recognise practices who provide a quality residential conveyancing. Cheltenham is one of locations in England and Wales in which CQS are located. The conveyancing scheme obliges law firms to undergo a strict assessment, compulsory training, self-reporting, 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 Council of Mortgage Lenders.
How does conveyancing in Cheltenham differ for new build properties?
Most buyers of new build premises in Cheltenham contact us having been asked by the builder to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the residence is ready to move into. This is because developers in Cheltenham usually purchase the site, 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 property lawyers 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 Cheltenham or who has acted in the same development.
Yesterday I discovered that there is a flying freehold element on a property I put an offer in two weeks back in what was supposed to be a simple, no chain conveyancing. Cheltenham is where the house is located. Can you offer any guidance?
Flying freeholds in Cheltenham are not the norm but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even where you use a solicitor outside Cheltenham you must be sure that your lawyer goes through the deeds very carefully. Your mortgage company may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Cheltenham may determine 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.
How do I identify a Cheltenham solicitor on the Coventry Building Society conveyancing panel? I have wheels and am willing to travel upto 25miles to meet the conveyancer.
You can use the facility on this page. Please select a bank and your location and you will see a number of Cheltenham conveyancing lawyers based on proximity. We have listed some Cheltenham conveyancing firms towards the end of this page and you can contact them to verify whether they are on the Coventry Building Society panel
In my capacity as executor for the will of my aunt I am disposing of a residence in Monmouth but I am based in Cheltenham. My solicitor (based 235 miles awayrequires that I sign a stat dec before completion. Could you suggest a conveyancing lawyer in Cheltenham to witness this legal document for me?
strictly speaking you should not be required to have the documents witnessed by a conveyancing solicitor. Normally any notary public or qualified solicitor will suffice regardless of whether they are located in Cheltenham
We recently become aware that one of the directors of the law firm acting on the purchase conveyancing in Cheltenham is is the mother of the vendor. Is this acceptable?
Provided no conflict arises this should be fine. Where you are obtaining a mortgage then the lender may have a say as many lenders have specific instructions concerning this. For example for Royal Bank of Scotland as of 20/7/2026, the requirements read as follows :