Experts for Leasehold Conveyancing in Bellingham

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Common questions relating to Bellingham leasehold conveyancing

I am hoping to exchange soon on a studio apartment in Bellingham. Conveyancing solicitors have said that they report fully tomorrow. Are there areas in the report that I should be focusing on?

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

  • Setting out your rights in respect of the communal areas in the building.For example, does the lease permit a right of way over a path or hallways?
  • Are pets allowed in the flat?
  • An explanation as to the provision in the lease to pay service charges - with regard to both the building, and the more general rights a leaseholder has
  • You should have a good understanding of the insurance provisions
  • 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.
  • Whether the landlord has obligations to ensure rights of quiet enjoyment over your premises and do you know what it means in practice? For a comprehensive list of information to be contained in your report on your leasehold property in Bellingham please ask your solicitor in advance of your conveyancing in Bellingham

    • Estate agents have just been given the go-ahead to market my 2 bed apartment in Bellingham.Conveyancing lawyers have not yet been instructed but I have just had a quarterly service charge invoice – should I leave it to the buyer to sort out?

    It best that you pay the service charge 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 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. This will smooth the conveyancing process.

    I've found a house that appears to be perfect, at a reasonable figure which is making it all the more appealing. I have since found out that it's a leasehold as opposed to freehold. I would have thought that there are particular concerns purchasing a house with a leasehold title in Bellingham. Conveyancing lawyers have are about to be instructed. Will they explain the issues?

    Most houses in Bellingham are freehold and not leasehold. In this scenario it’s worth having a local solicitor who is familiar with the area can help the conveyancing process. We note that you are buying in Bellingham in which case you should be looking for a Bellingham conveyancing solicitor and check that they have experience in dealing with 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 will likely included provisions for example requiring the landlord’sconsent to carry out changes to the property. It may be necessary to pay a service charge towards the upkeep of the estate where the house is located on an estate. Your lawyer should advise you fully on all the issues.

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

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

    • How familiar is the practice with lease extension legislation?
  • Can they put you in touch with client in Bellingham who can give a testimonial?

    • Can you provide any advice for leasehold conveyancing in Bellingham from the perspective of expediting the sale process?

    • A significant proportion of the delay in leasehold conveyancing in Bellingham can be avoided if you instruct lawyers as soon as you market your property and request that they start to collate the leasehold documentation which will be required by the purchasers’ lawyers.
    • The majority freeholders or managing agents in Bellingham levy fees for providing management packs for a leasehold premises. You or your lawyers should enquire as to the actual amount of the charges. The management pack can be applied for on or before finding a buyer, thus reducing delays. The average time it takes to receive management information is three weeks. It is the most usual cause of delay in leasehold conveyancing in Bellingham.
  • In the event that you altered the property did you need the Landlord’s approval? Have you, for example laid down wooden flooring? Most leases in Bellingham state that internal structural changes or laying down wooden flooring calls for a licence from the Landlord acquiescing to such works. If you dont have the consents to hand do not contact the landlord without contacting your conveyancer in advance.
  • If you hold a share in a the Management Company, you should ensure that you are holding the original share certificate. Obtaining a new share certificate can be a lengthy process and frustrates many a Bellingham home move. If a new share is necessary, do contact the company officers or managing agents (if applicable) for this at the earliest opportunity.
  • You may think that you are aware of the number of years left on your lease but it would be advisable verify this by asking your lawyers. A purchaser's conveyancer will be unlikely to recommend their client to proceed with the purchase of a leasehold property the lease term is below 75 years. It is therefore important at an early stage that you consider whether the lease term requires a lease extension. If it does, contact your solicitors before you put your premises on the market for sale.

    • I have tried to negotiate informally with with my landlord to extend my lease without any joy. Can the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal decide on such issues? Can you recommend a Bellingham conveyancing firm to represent me?

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

    An example of a Freehold Enfranchisement matter before the tribunal for a Bellingham residence is 75 Woolstone Road in February 2012. the decision of the Tribunal was that the appropriate amount to be paid to purchase the freehold was the sum of £17,711 . This case related to 2 flats. The the number of years remaining on the existing lease(s) was 68.28 and 158.

    Other Topics

    Lease Extensions in Bellingham