I have just appointed agents to market my garden flat in Blandfordum.Conveyancing solicitors are to be appointed soon but I have just had a half-yearly maintenance charge invoice – what should I do?

It best that you clear the invoice as normal because all ground rent and service charges will be apportioned on completion, so you will be reimbursed by the buyer for the period running from after the completion date to the next payment date. Most managing agents will not acknowledge the buyer unless the service charges have been paid and are up to date so it is important for both buyer and seller for the seller to show that they are up to date. Having a clear account will assist your cause and will leave you no worse off financially.

I've found a house that appears to be perfect, at a great price which is making it more attractive. I have since found out that it's a leasehold as opposed to freehold. I am assuming that there are particular concerns purchasing a leasehold house in Blandfordum. Conveyancing advisers have are soon to be appointed. Will my lawyers set out the implications of buying a leasehold house in Blandfordum ?

The majority of houses in Blandfordum are freehold rather than leasehold. In this scenario it’s worth having a local conveyancer who is familiar with the area can help the conveyancing process. it is apparent that you are buying in Blandfordum so you should seriously consider shopping around for a Blandfordum conveyancing solicitor and check that they are used to dealing with leasehold houses. First you will need to check the number of years remaining. As a tenant you will not be entirely free to do whatever you want to the property. The lease will likely included provisions for example obtaining the freeholder’sconsent to carry out changes to the property. 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 lawyer should report to you on the legal implications.

I own a leasehold flat in Blandfordum. Conveyancing and Bank of Scotland mortgage went though with no issue. A letter has just been received from someone saying they have taken over the freehold. It included a ground rent demand for rent dating back to 1995. The conveyancing solicitor in Blandfordum who previously acted has now retired.What should I do?

First make enquiries of the Land Registry to be sure that the individual claiming to own the freehold is in fact the new freeholder. It is not necessary to incur the fees of a Blandfordum conveyancing firm to do this as it can be done on-line for a few pound. You should note that in any event, even if this is the rightful landlord, under the Limitation Act 1980 no more than 6 years of rent can be collected.

I am attracted to a couple of maisonettes in Blandfordum both have in the region of fifty years unexpired on the leases. Will this present a problem?

There are plenty of short leases in Blandfordum. The lease is a right to use the premises for a prescribed time frame. As the lease shortens the marketability of the lease decreases and it becomes more costly to acquire a lease extension. This is why it is advisable to increase the term of the lease. It is often difficulties arise selling premises with a short lease as mortgage lenders less inclined to grant a loan on such properties. Lease enfranchisement can be a difficult process. We advise that you seek professional assistance from a conveyancer and surveyor with experience in this area

Do you have any advice for leasehold conveyancing in Blandfordum with the purpose of expediting the sale process?

• Much of the frustration in leasehold conveyancing in Blandfordum can be bypassed if you get in touch lawyers the minute you market your property and ask them to collate the leasehold documentation which will be required by the purchasers’ representatives.
• Many freeholders or managing agents in Blandfordum levy fees for supplying management packs for a leasehold homes. You or your lawyers should find out the fee that they propose to charge. The management pack can be applied for on or before finding a buyer, thus reducing delays. The average time it takes to receive management information is three weeks. It is the most common reason for frustration in leasehold conveyancing in Blandfordum.

I bought a 2 bed flat in Blandfordum, conveyancing having been completed 1995. Can you let me have an estimated range of the fair premium for a lease extension? Corresponding flats in Blandfordum with an extended lease are worth £265,000. The average or mid-range amount of ground rent is £65 levied per year. The lease comes to an end on 21st October 2089

You have 65 years left to run the likely cost is going to be between £16,200 and £18,600 as well as plus your own and the landlord's "reasonable" professional fees.

The suggested premium range that we have given is a general guide to costs for renewing a lease, but we cannot give you the actual costs in the absence of comprehensive due diligence. You should not use this information in a Notice of Claim or as an informal offer. There may be additional issues that need to be considered and you obviously should be as accurate as possible in your negotiations. Please do not take any other action based on this information without first getting professional advice.

Other Topics

Lease Extensions in Blandfordum