I am in need of some leasehold conveyancing in Crowthorne. Before I set the wheels in motion I require certainty as to the unexpired term of the lease.

If the lease is registered - and 99.9% are in Crowthorne - 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 have just appointed agents to market my ground floor apartment in Crowthorne.Conveyancing solicitors are to be appointed soon but I have just received a half-yearly maintenance charge invoice – should I leave it to the buyer to sort out?

The sensible thing to do is discharge 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 management companies 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 tick a lot of boxes, at a great figure which is making it more attractive. I have since been informed that it's a leasehold rather than freehold. I would have thought that there are issues purchasing a leasehold house in Crowthorne. Conveyancing lawyers have are soon to be appointed. Will my lawyers set out the risks of buying a leasehold house in Crowthorne ?

The majority of houses in Crowthorne are freehold rather than leasehold. In this scenario it’s worth having a local conveyancer who is familiar with the area can assist with the conveyancing process. It is clear that you are buying in Crowthorne so you should seriously consider looking for a Crowthorne conveyancing practitioner and be sure that they have experience in advising on leasehold houses. First you will need to check the unexpired lease term. Being a lessee you will not be entirely free to do whatever you want to the property. The lease comes with conditions such as obtaining the freeholder’spermission to conduct alterations. You may also be required to pay a service charge towards the upkeep of the estate where the house is located on an estate. Your solicitor will report to you on the legal implications.

What are your top tips when it comes to appointing a Crowthorne conveyancing firm to carry out our lease extension conveyancing?

If you are instructing a property lawyer for lease extension works (regardless if they are a Crowthorne conveyancing practice) it is most important that they be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of work. We advise that you talk with several firms including non Crowthorne conveyancing practices before you instructing a firm. If the firm is ALEP accredited then that’s a bonus. Some following of questions could be useful:

• If the firm is not ALEP accredited then why not?

All being well we will complete our sale of a £300000 flat in Crowthorne on Friday in a week. The managing agents has quoted £384 for Certificate of Compliance, insurance certificate and 3 years service charge statements. Is the landlord entitled to charge an administration fee for a flat conveyance in Crowthorne?

Crowthorne conveyancing on leasehold flats usually involves the purchaser’s solicitor sending enquiries for the landlord to answer. Although the landlord is not legally bound to address these enquiries most will be willing to do so. They are entitled levy a reasonable charge for answering questions or supplying documentation. There is no upper cap for such fees. The average fee for the information that you are referring to is over three hundred pounds, in some transactions it exceeds £800. The administration charge invoiced by the landlord must be accompanied by a synopsis of entitlements and obligations in respect of administration charges, otherwise the invoice is not strictly payable. In reality you have little option but to pay whatever is requested of you if you want to complete the sale of your home.

Leasehold Conveyancing in Crowthorne - Examples of Queries before Purchasing

On the whole the outlay for major works are not included within maintenance charges, although there some managing agents in Crowthorne require leaseholders to pay into a reserve fund created for the specific purpose of establishing a fund for larger repairs or maintenance. Make sure you investigate if there is anything that is prohibited in the lease. For instance it is very common in Crowthorne leases that pets are not permitted in certain buildings in Crowthorne. If you love the flatin Crowthorne but your dog can’t live with you then you will be faced difficult determination. What prohibitions exist in the Crowthorne Lease?

Other Topics

Lease Extensions in Crowthorne