Frequently asked questions relating to Hanworth leasehold conveyancing
I am on look out for some leasehold conveyancing in Hanworth. Before diving in I require certainty as to the unexpired term of the lease.
Assuming the lease is registered - and most are in Hanworth - 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.
Helen (my wife) and I may need to let out our Hanworth basement flat temporarily due to a career opportunity. We used a Hanworth conveyancing firm in 2004 but they have closed and we did not think at the time get any guidance as to whether the lease allows us to sublet. How do we find out?
Some leases for properties in Hanworth do contain a provision to say that subletting is only allowed with permission. The landlord is not entitled to unreasonably refuse but, in such cases, they would need to review references. Experience suggests 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 have recently realised that I have Seventy years left on my lease in Hanworth. I am keen to extend my lease but my freeholder is absent. What options are available to me?
On the basis that 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 an order to dispense with the service of the initial notice. This will mean that your lease can be extended by the Court. You will be obliged to prove that you or your lawyers have made all reasonable attempts to track down the landlord. On the whole an enquiry agent would be useful to carry out a search and to produce a report to be accepted by the court as evidence that the freeholder is indeed missing. It is wise to seek advice from a property lawyer in relation to proving the landlord’s absence and the application to the County Court overseeing Hanworth.
I today plan to offer on a house that appears to meet my requirements, at a reasonable figure which is making it all the more appealing. I have just found out that it's a leasehold as opposed to freehold. I would have thought that there are particular concerns purchasing a leasehold house in Hanworth. Conveyancing solicitors have are about to be appointed. Will my lawyers set out the implications of buying a leasehold house in Hanworth ?
Most houses in Hanworth are freehold rather than leasehold. In this scenario it’s worth having a local solicitor who is familiar with the area can help the conveyancing process. it is apparent that you are purchasing in Hanworth in which case you should be shopping around for a Hanworth conveyancing solicitor and be sure that they are used to dealing with leasehold houses. As a matter of priority you will need to check the unexpired lease term. Being a leaseholder you will not be entirely free to do whatever you want with the house. The lease comes with conditions such as obtaining the landlord’sconsent to conduct alterations. You may also be required to pay a contribution towards the maintenance of the communal areas where the house is part of an estate. Your lawyer will advise you fully on all the issues.
I am attracted to a two flats in Hanworth both have approximately forty five years unexpired on the lease term. Will this present a problem?
A lease is a right to use the property for a period of time. As the lease gets shorter the saleability of the lease reduces and it becomes more costly to extend the lease. This is why it is generally wise to increase the term of the lease. It is often difficulties arise selling premises with a short lease because mortgage lenders less inclined to grant a loan on properties of this type. Lease extension can be a protracted process. We advise that you seek professional assistance from a solicitor and surveyor with experience in this field
I have given up trying to purchase the freehold in Hanworth. Can this matter be resolved via the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal?
Where there is a absentee landlord or where there is disagreement about the premium for a lease extension, under the relevant legislation you can apply to the LVT to assess the sum to be paid.
An example of a Lease Extension case for a Hanworth residence is 147 Redford Close in June 2012. The Tribunal determined the lease extension premium to be at £4,200 This case related to 1 flat. The remaining number of years on the lease was 82.93 years.
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