In reading consumer advice sites for a high-quality solicitor in Camden Town, most comment that I should look for a CQS kitemarked solicitor. Can you explain what CQS is?
The Law Society's Conveyancing Quality Scheme is the recognised quality mark for legal experts in buying or selling property, trusted by some of the UK's biggest banks.Four years ago the Conveyancing Quality Scheme was officially recognised by the Legal Ombudsman. CQS is not a scheme offered by the Council of Licensed Conveyancing. Camden Town is one of the numerous areas of the UK where there are CQS lawyers.
My brother and I have latelybought a property in Camden Town. We have since encountered a number of problems with the property which we consider were missed in the conveyancing searches. What action can we take? Can you clarify the nature of searches that needed to have been carried out as part of conveyancing in Camden Town?
It is not clear from the question as what problems have arisen and if they are specific to conveyancing in Camden Town. Conveyancing searches and investigations undertaken as part of the buying process are carried out to help avoid problems. As part of the process, a seller answers a form referred to as a Seller’s Property Information Form. If the information is misleading, you could possibly take legal action against the owner for any losses that you have suffered. The survey should have identified any problems with the structure of the property. Assuming a detailed survey was carried out and the issues were not identified, you may have a claim against the surveyor.However, if you did not have a full survey, you may be responsible for fixing any defects that have now been noted. We would always encourage buyers to take every possible step to ensure they are completely aware of the condition of a property before purchase regardless of whether they are buying in Camden Town.
Is it best to go with a Camden Town conveyancing lawyer who is local to the property I am buying? I have an old university friend who can carry out the legal formalities but they are based 200miles drive away.
The primary upside of using a local Camden Town conveyancing firm is that you can drop in to sign documents, hand in your identification documents and pester them if necessary. Having local Camden Town know how is a benefit. That being said it's more important to get someone that will pull out all the stops for you. If you know people who instructed your friend and they were happy that must trump using an unfamiliar Camden Town conveyancing solicitor just because they are round the corner.