I am in need of some leasehold conveyancing in Blackwood. Before diving in I require certainty as to the unexpired term of the lease.

If the lease is recorded at the land registry - and almost all are in Blackwood - then the leasehold title will always include the short particulars of the lease, namely the date; the term; and the original parties. From a conveyancing perspective such details then enable any prospective buyer and lender to confirm that any lease they are looking at is the one relevant to that title.For any other purpose, such as confirming how long the term was granted for and calculating what is left, then the register should be sufficient on it's own.

I today plan to offer on a house that appears to meet my requirements, at a reasonable price which is making it more attractive. I have subsequently been informed that it's a leasehold as opposed to freehold. I am assuming that there are particular concerns purchasing a leasehold house in Blackwood. Conveyancing advisers have not yet been instructed. Will they explain the issues?

The majority of houses in Blackwood are freehold rather than leasehold. This is one of the situations where having a local solicitor used to dealing with such properties who can assist with the conveyancing process. We note that you are purchasing in Blackwood so you should seriously consider shopping around for a Blackwood conveyancing solicitor and check that they have experience in dealing with leasehold houses. As a matter of priority you will need to check the unexpired lease term. Being a lessee you will not be at liberty to do whatever you want with the house. The lease will likely included provisions such as requiring the landlord’sconsent to conduct alterations. You may also be required to pay a contribution towards the upkeep of the communal areas where the house is part of an estate. Your solicitor will report to you on the legal implications.

Back In 2001, I bought a leasehold house in Blackwood. Conveyancing and Chelsea Building Society mortgage are in place. A letter has just been received from someone saying they have taken over the freehold. Attached was a ground rent demand for rent dating back to 1996. The conveyancing solicitor in Blackwood who acted for me is not around.What should I do?

First make enquiries of the Land Registry to be sure that this person is in fact the new freeholder. There is no need to instruct a Blackwood conveyancing lawyer to do this as you can do this on the Land Registry website for a few pound. Rest assured that regardless, even if this is the legitimate landlord, under the Limitation Act 1980 the limitation period for recovery of ground rent is six years.

What advice can you give us when it comes to appointing a Blackwood conveyancing practice to carry out our lease extension conveyancing?

When appointing a property lawyer for your lease extension (regardless if they are a Blackwood conveyancing practice) it is imperative that he or she should be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of conveyancing. We advise that you speak with two or three firms including non Blackwood conveyancing practices before you instructing a firm. If the firm is ALEP accredited then so much the better. Some following of questions might be helpful:

• If they are not ALEP accredited then what is the reason?

If all goes to plan we aim to complete our sale of a £200000 maisonette in Blackwood in six days. The freeholder has quoted £336 for Landlord’s certificate, building insurance schedule and previous years statements of service charge. Is it legal for a freeholder to charge such fees for a leasehold conveyance in Blackwood?

Blackwood conveyancing on leasehold maisonettes usually necessitates the buyer’s solicitor sending questions for the landlord to answer. Although the landlord is not legally bound to address such questions most will be content to do so. They may levy a reasonable charge for responding to enquiries or supplying documentation. There is no upper cap for such fees. The average costs for the paperwork that you are referring to is £350, in some cases it exceeds £800. The administration charge required by the landlord must be accompanied by a summary of entitlements and obligations in respect of administration fees, without which the invoice is not strictly payable. In reality one has little option but to pay whatever is requested of you should you wish to complete the sale of your home.

Blackwood Conveyancing for Leasehold Flats - A selection of Queries before Purchasing

Is anyone aware of any major works in the planning that will likely increase the maintenance costs? On the whole the cost for major works are not included within maintenance charges, albeit that some managing agents in Blackwood require leasehold owners to contribute towards a reserve fund and this is used to offset against major repairs or maintenance. Plenty Blackwood leasehold flats will incur a service charge for the upkeep of the building invoiced on behalf of the landlord. Where you acquire the property you will have to meet this liability, normally in instalments accross the year. This may be anything from several hundred pounds to thousands of pounds for buildings with lifts and large communal grounds. There will also be a ground rent for you to pay yearly, normally this is not a significant figure, say approximately £50-£100 but you should to check as occasionally it can be many hundreds of pounds.

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Lease Extensions in Blackwood