Having had my offer accepted I require leasehold conveyancing in Forest Row. Before diving in I would like to find out the unexpired term of the lease.

If the lease is registered - and 99.9% are in Forest Row - 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 own a leasehold flat in Forest Row. Conveyancing and Skipton Building Society mortgage organised. I have received a letter from someone saying they have taken over the freehold. Attached was a demand for arrears of ground rent dating back to 1993. The conveyancing solicitor in Forest Row who acted for me is not around.Any advice?

The first thing you should do is contact HMLR to make sure that this person is indeed the registered owner of the freehold reversion. It is not necessary to incur the fees of a Forest Row conveyancing solicitor to do this as it can be done on-line for less than a fiver. You should note that regardless, 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 two apartments in Forest Row both have approximately 50 years left on the leases. should I be concerned?

There are plenty of short leases in Forest Row. The lease is a right to use the property for a period of time. As the lease shortens the marketability of the lease reduces and results in it becoming more expensive to acquire a lease extension. This is why it is often a good idea to extend the lease term. Sometimes it is difficult to sell a property with a short lease as mortgage lenders may be reluctant to lend money on such properties. Lease enfranchisement can be a difficult process. We recommend you get professional assistance from a conveyancer and surveyor with experience in this field

What advice can you give us when it comes to choosing a Forest Row conveyancing firm to carry out our lease extension conveyancing?

When appointing a conveyancer for lease extension works (regardless if they are a Forest Row conveyancing firm) it is imperative that he or she should be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of work. We suggested that you speak with two or three firms including non Forest Row conveyancing practices prior to instructing a firm. Where the conveyancing practice is ALEP accredited then so much the better. Some following of questions could be useful:

• Can they put you in touch with client in Forest Row who can give a testimonial?
• What are the costs for lease extension work?

Can you provide any top tips for leasehold conveyancing in Forest Row from the point of view of expediting the sale process?

• Much of the delay in leasehold conveyancing in Forest Row can be avoided where you appoint lawyers as soon as you market your property and request that they start to put together the leasehold documentation which will be required by the buyers conveyancers.
• Many freeholders or Management Companies in Forest Row levy fees for supplying management packs for a leasehold premises. You or your lawyers should find out the actual amount of the charges. The management pack can be applied for on or before finding a buyer, thus accelerating the process. The typical amount of time it takes to obtain the necessary information is three weeks. It is the most common reason for frustration in leasehold conveyancing in Forest Row.
• In the event that you altered the property did you need the Landlord’s permission? Have you, for example laid down wooden flooring? Forest Row leases often stipulate that internal structural alterations or installing wooden flooring necessitate a licence from the Landlord consenting to such works. Should you fail to have the consents to hand do not contact the landlord without checking with your lawyer before hand.
• If you have the benefit of shareholding in the freehold, you should ensure that you have the original share document. Organising a replacement share certificate can be a lengthy process and slows down many a Forest Row conveyancing deal. Where a reissued share is required, you should approach the company director and secretary or managing agents (if relevant) for this at the earliest opportunity.
• You may think that you are aware of the number of years remaining on your lease but it would be wise to double-check by asking your lawyers. A purchaser's lawyer will not be happy to advise their client to proceed with the purchase of a leasehold property the lease term is under 75 years. In the circumstances it is essential at an as soon as possible that you consider whether the lease requires a lease extension. If it does, contact your solicitors before you put your property on the market for sale.

Forest Row Conveyancing for Leasehold Flats - A selection of Queries Prior to buying

Who manages the building?