Questions and Answers: Hackney leasehold conveyancing
Having had my offer accepted I require leasehold conveyancing in Hackney. Before diving in I want to be sure as to the remaining lease term.
If the lease is recorded at the land registry - and most are in Hackney - 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 have recently realised that I have 62 years remaining on my flat in Hackney. I now want to extend my lease but my landlord is missing. What options are available to me?
If you meet the appropriate requirements, under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 you can submit an application to the County Court for for permission to dispense with the service of the initial notice. This will enable the lease to be granted an extra 90 years by the magistrate. You will be obliged to prove that you have done all that could be expected to find the landlord. For most situations an enquiry agent would be useful to carry out a search and to produce a report to be accepted by the court as proof that the landlord can not be located. It is advisable to get professional help from a conveyancer both on devolving into the landlord’s absence and the vesting order request to the County Court covering Hackney.
Planning to sign contracts shortly on a garden flat in Hackney. Conveyancing solicitors assured me that they report fully next week. What should I be looking out for?
Your report on title for your leasehold conveyancing in Hackney should include some of the following:
- The physical extent of the premises. This will be the property itself but may include a roof space or cellar if appropriate.
What are your top tips when it comes to appointing a Hackney conveyancing firm to deal with our lease extension?
If you are instructing a conveyancer for lease extension works (regardless if they are a Hackney conveyancing practice) it is imperative that he or she should be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of work. We suggested that you talk with two or three firms including non Hackney conveyancing practices prior to instructing a firm. Where the conveyancing practice is ALEP accredited then that’s a bonus. Some following of questions could be helpful:
- How experienced is the firm with lease extension legislation?
Can you provide any top tips for leasehold conveyancing in Hackney from the point of view of saving time on the sale process?
- Much of the frustration in leasehold conveyancing in Hackney can be avoided where you appoint lawyers the minute you market your property and ask them to collate the leasehold documentation which will be required by the purchasers’ conveyancers.
- If you have carried out any alterations to the property would they have required Landlord’s consent? Have you, for example laid down wooden flooring? Hackney leases often stipulate that internal structural alterations or laying down wooden flooring require a licence from the Landlord consenting to such alterations. Where you fail to have the consents to hand you should not contact the landlord without checking with your solicitor in advance.
Despite our best endeavours, we have been unsuccessful in trying to purchase the freehold in Hackney. Can the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal adjudicate on premiums?
Most definitely. We are happy to put you in touch with a Hackney conveyancing firm who can help.
An example of a Freehold Enfranchisement matter before the tribunal for a Hackney premises is 150 Amhurst Road in December 2013. The tribunal concluded that the premium to be paid by the applicant for the enfranchisement of the subject property was £43,500. This case was in relation to 4 flats. The unexpired term was 90 (or thereabouts).
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