The Law Society launched the Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) in January of this year. It is designed to give clients and lenders a quality standard when dealing with conveyancing firms. Based on the updated Law Society’s Conveyancing Protocol, it aims to create consistent standards across the board, speeding up the conveyancing process and giving more certainty to buyers and sellers in their transactions. It will also rid the market of fraudulent and bogus firms.
There is an estimated £1.3b of mortgage fraud and lenders will welcome this development as a means to reduce their exposure and be assured that conveyancing firms have met strict quality criteria.
Firms seeking to acquire CQS accreditation are required to adhere to enhanced standards – the competence of their staff, their financial standing and safeguards and processes. The Law Society will undertake rigorous checks on all relevant members of staff employed by members of the scheme and carry out random assessment visits.
Frettens Solicitors have recently been accredited by the Law Society as a member of this scheme. Head of the Conveyancing Team, Ian Fretten, says "CQS Accredited practices will adhere to increased regulation and defined standards in conveyancing. This will be of benefit to the clients of accredited firms, as they will receive a high standard of legal work and excellent client care. I am delighted that our firm has already attained this standard and accreditation."
President of the Law Society, Linda Lee, believes the CQS is necessary because high quality conveyancing practices have never been recognised for their work. She also states "The CQS will give homebuyers an instantly recognisable kite mark, highlighting a firm’s professional excellence and their commitment to providing a high quality service."
For a free quote for a property purchase or sale, please use our conveyancing calculator or call 01202 499255 and Peter Voce will be happy to provide a quote over the telephone.