FHTB – conveyancing experts

Latest Forces Help to Buy Update
The MoD announced an extension of the FHTB scheme until the “end of 2022”.

Serving in the British Army? Looking to buy your first home using the new Forces To Buy Scheme? Not sure which conveyancing solicitor to instruct?

Elsewhere on this website, we explain our experience in working with the military – but if you’re picking a solicitor to help with thepurchase of your first house or flat, you need to make sure that they specialise in conveyancing. But how can you spot the right experts? Well,  here’s your answer.

Conveyancing – the sign of the specialist

The expertise of our conveyancing lawyers here at Bonallack & Bishop’s has been recognised by the Law Society which has included the firm in its Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS). The scheme recognises expertise across all areas of conveyancing whether buying, selling or renting and is a clear indicator that a law firm has specialist residential conveyancers.

One may question the significance of securing this quality mark especially given the perception of conveyancing as straightforward legal work. However, conveyancing is in fact an increasingly complicated area of law. Something as simple as a solar panel can change the conveyancing process completely; houses with solar panels place certain obligations upon owners. Furthermore, mortgage companies are more likely to pull out of mortgage commitments than they were in the past. Indeed, today’s harsh economic climate has led to more claims from lenders, title disputes and possible fraud cases.

The CQS was introduced to ensure that those in need of conveyancing could find trusted conveyancing experts using a quality mark which would be recognised across the country. In all likelihood, buying a property will be the most valuable transaction you ever undertake and it is important that you get the right legal advice.

It is becoming more and more common for lenders to demand that solicitors are members of the scheme so it is sensible to instruct a CQS member to give your lender confidence. Indeed, the scheme is backed by the Building Societies Association, Council of Mortgage Lenders and Association of British Insurers.

CQS Accreditation – you have to prove your worth

Gaining this accreditation is difficult and candidates must:

• Have at least a 36 month history of practising residential conveyancing

• Carry out regular reviews and checks to ensure that high standards are being maintained

• Commit to a clients’ charter

• Ensure that all staff members have a suitable level of skill in conveyancing

Want to buy a home using the Forces Help To Buy scheme? Contact our specialists now

If you’re thinking of buying a property using the Forces Help To Buy scheme, you need to make sure that not only due to a conveyancing specialist, but you choose one who understands the military and knows all about the FHTB scheme. Our team do – while most conveyancing lawyers have never even heard of FHTB or its two pre-April 2014 predecessors – the Long Service Advance of Pay, and Armed Forces Home Ownership Schemes.

So make sure that you are getting the right legal advice during your big move by using our Law Society accredited conveyancing solicitors. And don’t forget FREE initial phone advice and the10% military discount

  • Call us today locally on [01722 422300] or free on FREEPHONE 0800 1404544, or
  • Send us an email via the contact form below.