I am on look out for some leasehold conveyancing in Leighton Buzzard. Before I set the wheels in motion I require certainty as to the remaining lease term.

If the lease is recorded at the land registry - and most are in Leighton Buzzard - then the leasehold title will always include the basic details 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 am intending to let out my leasehold flat in Leighton Buzzard. Conveyancing solicitor who did the purchase is retired - so can't ask her. Do I need to ask my freeholder for permission?

Some leases for properties in Leighton Buzzard do contain a provision to say that subletting is only allowed with permission. The landlord is not entitled to unreasonably withhold but, in such cases, they would need to review references. Experience dictates that problems are usually caused by unsatisfactory tenants rather than owner-occupiers and for that reason you can expect the freeholder to take up the references and consider them carefully before granting permission.

I've found a house that appears to meet my requirements, at a great figure which is making it more attractive. I have just been informed that the title is leasehold rather than freehold. I would have thought that there are particular concerns purchasing a house with a leasehold title in Leighton Buzzard. Conveyancing lawyers have are soon to be appointed. Will they explain the issues?

The majority of houses in Leighton Buzzard are freehold and not leasehold. This is one of the situations where having a local conveyancer who is familiar with the area can assist with the conveyancing process. it is apparent that you are buying in Leighton Buzzard so you should seriously consider looking for a Leighton Buzzard conveyancing practitioner and be sure that they are used to advising on leasehold houses. As a matter of priority you will need to check the number of years remaining. As a lessee you will not be entirely free to do whatever you want to the property. The lease comes with conditions such as requiring the freeholder’sconsent to conduct changes to the property. You may also be required to pay a maintenance charge towards the maintenance of the estate where the property is part of an estate. Your conveyancer should advise you fully on all the issues.

I work for a busy estate agency in Leighton Buzzard where we have experienced a few flat sales jeopardised as a result of short leases. I have been given contradictory information from local Leighton Buzzard conveyancing firms. Can you confirm whether the owner of a flat can commence the lease extension formalities for the purchaser on completion of the sale?

Provided that the seller has owned the lease for at least 2 years it is possible, to serve a Section 42 notice to kick-start the lease extension process and assign the benefit of the notice to the purchaser. This means that the proposed purchaser can avoid having to wait 2 years for a lease extension. Both sets of lawyers will agree to form of assignment. The assignment has to be done before, or simultaneously with completion of the sale.

An alternative approach is to agree the lease extension with the freeholder either before or after the sale. If you are informally negotiating there are no rules and so you cannot insist on the landlord agreeing to grant an extension or transferring the benefit of an agreement to the purchaser.

Can you offer any advice when it comes to choosing a Leighton Buzzard conveyancing practice to deal with our lease extension?

If you are instructing a solicitor for lease extension works (regardless if they are a Leighton Buzzard conveyancing firm) it is most important that they be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of work. We recommend that you talk with several firms including non Leighton Buzzard conveyancing practices before you instructing a firm. If the firm is ALEP accredited then so much the better. Some following of questions might be of use:

• Can they put you in touch with client in Leighton Buzzard who can give a testimonial?

Leasehold Conveyancing in Leighton Buzzard - A selection of Questions you should consider before Purchasing

It would be sensible to find out if there is anything that is prohibited in the lease. By way of example some leases prohibit pets being permitted in certain buildings in Leighton Buzzard. If you like the flatin Leighton Buzzard yet your cat can’t move with you then you have a very difficult decision. Does the lease include onerous restrictions? It is important to be aware whether a new roof is being put on or some other significant cost is pending that will be shared amongst the tenants and will materially impact the level of the maintenance costs or result in a specific payment.

Other Topics

Lease Extensions in Leighton Buzzard