Frequently asked questions relating to Golders Green leasehold conveyancing
I am hoping to complete next month on a studio apartment in Golders Green. Conveyancing lawyers inform me that they will have a report out to me next week. What should I be looking out for?
Your report on title for your leasehold conveyancing in Golders Green should include some of the following:
- The unexpired lease term You should be advised as what happens when the lease expires, and aware of the importance of the 80 year mark
I've found a house that appears to meet my requirements, at a reasonable price which is making it more attractive. I have since been informed that it's a leasehold rather than freehold. I am assuming that there are issues buying a leasehold house in Golders Green. Conveyancing solicitors have are soon to be appointed. Will they explain the issues?
The majority of houses in Golders Green are freehold rather than leasehold. In this scenario it’s worth having a local conveyancer who is familiar with the area can assist with the conveyancing process. We note that you are buying in Golders Green in which case you should be shopping around for a Golders Green conveyancing practitioner and check that they have experience in dealing with leasehold houses. As a matter of priority you will need to check the number of years remaining. As a tenant you will not be at liberty to do whatever you want to the property. The lease will likely included provisions for example requiring the freeholder’sconsent to carry out alterations. You may also be required to pay a contribution towards the upkeep of the communal areas where the house is part of an estate. Your lawyer will appraise you on the various issues.
What are your top tips when it comes to finding a Golders Green conveyancing practice to carry out our lease extension conveyancing?
When appointing a solicitor for your lease extension (regardless if they are a Golders Green conveyancing firm) it is essential that he or she should be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of work. We suggested that you speak with several firms including non Golders Green conveyancing practices before you instructing a firm. Where the conveyancing practice is ALEP accredited then so much the better. Some following of questions might be useful:
- How experienced is the practice with lease extension legislation?
Do you have any advice for leasehold conveyancing in Golders Green with the aim of saving time on the sale process?
- A significant proportion of the frustration in leasehold conveyancing in Golders Green can be bypassed if you appoint lawyers the minute your agents start marketing the property and ask them to put together the leasehold documentation which will be required by the buyers representatives.
- If you have carried out any alterations to the residence would they have required Landlord’s permission? In particular have you laid down wooden flooring? Most leases in Golders Green state that internal structural changes or laying down wooden flooring calls for a licence from the Landlord approving such alterations. Should you fail to have the consents in place you should not communicate with the landlord without contacting your lawyer before hand.
We expect to complete the disposal of our £250000 apartment in Golders Green in 10 days. The landlords agents has quoted £348 for Certificate of Compliance, insurance certificate and previous years service charge statements. Is the landlord entitled to charge an administration fee for a flat conveyance in Golders Green?
Golders Green conveyancing on leasehold maisonettes normally requires the purchaser’s solicitor sending questions for the landlord to address. Although the landlord is under no legal obligation to answer such questions the majority will be willing to do so. They are entitled levy a reasonable administration fee for answering questions or supplying documentation. There is no upper cap for such fees. The average fee for the information that you are referring to is £350, in some cases it is in excess of £800. The management information fee required by the landlord must be accompanied by a synopsis of rights and obligations in respect of administration fees, without which the charge is technically not due. In reality one has no choice but to pay whatever is demanded if you want to exchange contracts with the buyer.
I am the leaseholder of a garden flat in Golders Green. In the absence of agreement between myself and the freeholder, can the Leasehold valuation Tribunal make a decision on the sum payable for the purchase of the freehold?
Absolutely. We are happy to put you in touch with a Golders Green conveyancing firm who can help.
An example of a Lease Extension decision for a Golders Green residence is Flat A 372 Cricklewood Lane in January 2013. The Tribunal decided that the premium for the extended lease should be £5,750.00 and that the terms of the new lease should be those set out in annex to the decsion This case related to 1 flat.
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