I am on look out for some leasehold conveyancing in Dunmow. Before diving in I would like to find out the unexpired term of the lease.

Assuming the lease is recorded at the land registry - and almost all are in Dunmow - 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.

Frank (my husband) and I may need to sub-let our Dunmow ground floor flat for a while due to a new job. We used a Dunmow conveyancing practice in 2003 but they have since shut and we did not think at the time get any guidance as to whether the lease allows us to sublet. How do we find out?

Even though your previous Dunmow conveyancing lawyer is not available you can check your lease to see if you are permitted to let out the property. The rule is that if the deeds are silent, subletting is permitted. Quite often there is a prerequisite that you need to obtain consent via your landlord or other appropriate person prior to subletting. This means you not allowed to sublet without first obtaining permission. The consent should not be unreasonably withheld. If the lease does not allow you to sublet you should ask your landlord if they are willing to waive this restriction.

I’m about to sell my 2 bed apartment in Dunmow.Conveyancing lawyers have not yet been instructed but I have just received a yearly service charge demand – Do I pay up?

Your conveyancing lawyer is likely to suggest that you should pay 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 until 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. This will smooth the conveyancing process.

I've found a house that appears to meet my requirements, at a great price which is making it all the more appealing. I have subsequently discovered that the title is leasehold as opposed to freehold. I would have thought that there are issues purchasing a leasehold house in Dunmow. Conveyancing solicitors have are about to be instructed. Will my lawyers set out the implications of buying a leasehold house in Dunmow ?

Most houses in Dunmow are freehold rather than leasehold. In this scenario it’s worth having a local solicitor who is familiar with the area can assist with the conveyancing process. We note that you are purchasing in Dunmow so you should seriously consider looking for a Dunmow 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 leaseholder you will not be at liberty to do whatever you want with the house. The lease comes with conditions such as requiring the freeholder’sconsent to carry out alterations. It may be necessary to pay a contribution towards the maintenance of the estate where the house is part of an estate. Your conveyancer should appraise you on the various issues.

I am looking at a two maisonettes in Dunmow which have approximately fifty years left on the lease term. should I be concerned?

A lease is a legal document that entitles you to use the property for a period of time. As the lease shortens the value of the lease deteriorate and it becomes more costly to extend the lease. This is why it is advisable to extend the lease term. It is often difficulties arise selling premises with a short lease as mortgage lenders may be reluctant to lend money on properties of this type. Lease enfranchisement can be a difficult process. We recommend you get professional help from a solicitor and surveyor with experience in this area

Leasehold Conveyancing in Dunmow - Examples of Queries before Purchasing

You should want to find out as much as you can concerning the company managing the block as they can either make your life much easier or uncomfortable. As the proprietor of a leasehold property you will be at the mercy of the managing agents from a financial perspective and when it comes to daily matters like the tidiness of the communal areas. Don't be afraid to ask prospective neighbours if they are happy with them. On a final note, investigate as to the dates that you are obliged pay the maintenance charge to the appropriate party and specifically how they are spending the funds. The prefered form of lease arrangement is a share of the freehold. In this situation the leaseholders benefit from being in charge if their destiny and notwithstanding that a managing agent is usually retained if it is bigger than a house conversion, the managing agent is directed by the tenants. On the whole the outlay for major works are not wrapped into the service charges, albeit that a few managing agents in Dunmow require leasehold owners to contribute towards a reserve fund and this is used to offset against larger works.