Fixed-fee leasehold conveyancing in Barnet:

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While any conveyancing solicitor can theoretically deal with your leasehold conveyancing in Barnet, your mortgage provider may not be willing to work with them if the firm are not on their list of approved solicitors for conveyancing

Common questions relating to Barnet leasehold conveyancing

I would like to rent out my leasehold flat in Barnet. Conveyancing solicitor who did the purchase is retired - so can't ask him. Do I need to ask my freeholder for their consent?

Some leases for properties in Barnet do contain a provision to say that subletting is only allowed with permission. The landlord cannot unreasonably refuse but, in such cases, they would need to see 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 consent.

Due to complete next month on a garden flat in Barnet. Conveyancing solicitors assured me that they will have a report out to me on Monday. What should I be looking out for?

Your report on title for your leasehold conveyancing in Barnet should include some of the following:

  • Defining your rights in relation to common areas in the building.E.G., does the lease permit a right of way over an accessway or staircase?
  • Does the lease prohibit wood flooring?
  • Repair and maintenance of the flat
  • Changes to the flat (alterations and additions)
  • I don't know whether the lease allows me to alter or improve anything in the flat - you should know whether it applies to all alterations or just structural alteration, and whether consent is required
  • The landlord’s rights to access the flat you be made aware that your landlord has rights of access and I know how much notice s/he must provide.
  • The landlord’s obligations to repair and maintain the building. It is important that you know who is responsible for the repair and maintenance of every part of the building For a comprehensive list of information to be contained in your report on your leasehold property in Barnet please enquire of your lawyer in ahead of your conveyancing in Barnet

    • I have just started marketing my basement apartment in Barnet.Conveyancing is yet to be initiated but I have just had a half-yearly service charge demand – should I leave it to the buyer to sort out?

    Your conveyancing lawyer is likely to suggest that you should 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 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. Having a clear account will assist your cause and will leave you no worse off financially.

    What advice can you give us when it comes to finding a Barnet conveyancing firm to deal with our lease extension?

    When appointing a property lawyer for your lease extension (regardless if they are a Barnet conveyancing practice) it is most important that they be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of conveyancing. We suggested that you talk with two or three firms including non Barnet conveyancing practices before you instructing a firm. Where the conveyancing practice is ALEP accredited then that’s a bonus. Some following of questions could be helpful:

    • Can they put you in touch with client in Barnet who can give a testimonial?
  • What are the legal fees for lease extension conveyancing?

    • Completion in due on the disposal of our £425000 apartment in Barnet next Thursday . The management company has quoted £324 for Certificate of Compliance, building insurance schedule and 3 years statements of service charge. Is the landlord entitled to charge exorbitant fees for a leasehold conveyance in Barnet?

    Barnet conveyancing on leasehold apartments normally requires the purchaser’s lawyer submitting questions for the landlord to address. Although the landlord is not legally bound to answer these enquiries most will be content to do so. They may charge a reasonable administration fee for answering enquiries or supplying documentation. There is no upper cap for such fees. The average costs for the paperwork that you are referring to is over three hundred pounds, in some cases it is above £800. The administration charge invoiced by the landlord must be sent together with a summary of entitlements and obligations in respect of administration fees, otherwise the charge is not strictly payable. In reality one has no choice but to pay whatever is requested of you should you wish to exchange contracts with the buyer.

    I have tried to negotiate informally with with my landlord for a lease extension without getting anywhere. Can I apply to the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal? Can you recommend a Barnet conveyancing firm to act on my behalf?

    You certainly can. We can put you in touch with a Barnet conveyancing firm who can help.

    An example of a Lease Extension matter before the tribunal for a Barnet residence is Flat 2 2 Netherfield Road in April 2010. The Tribunale held that premium payable for a 90 year extension to the existing Lease should be £7,705. This case was in relation to 1 flat. The remaining number of years on the lease was 76 years.

    Other Topics

    Lease Extensions in Barnet