I only have 68 years unexpired on my lease in Uxbridge. I need to get lease extension but my freeholder is missing. What should I do?

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 for permission to dispense with the service of the initial notice. This will mean that your lease can be extended by the magistrate. However, you will be required to prove that you or your lawyers have made all reasonable attempts to find the freeholder. On the whole an enquiry agent would be useful to conduct investigations and prepare a report to be used as evidence that the landlord is indeed missing. It is advisable to get professional help from a property lawyer both on devolving into the landlord’s disappearance and the application to the County Court covering Uxbridge.

Planning to exchange soon on a leasehold property in Uxbridge. Conveyancing lawyers assured me that they are sending me a report on Monday. What should I be looking out for?

The report on title for your leasehold conveyancing in Uxbridge should include some of the following:

• Does the lease prohibit wood flooring?
• You must be told what constitutes a Nuisance in the lease
• Ground rent - how much and when you need to pay, and also know whether this is subject to change
• Whether your lease has a provision for a sinking fund?
• 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
• What you can do if a neighbour is in violation of a provision in their lease?
• What the implications are if you breach a clause of your lease?

I am hoping to put an offer on a small detached house that seems to tick a lot of boxes, at a reasonable price which is making it more attractive. I have since been informed that the title is leasehold rather than freehold. I am assuming that there are particular concerns purchasing a leasehold house in Uxbridge. Conveyancing solicitors have are about to be instructed. Will my lawyers set out the risks of buying a leasehold house in Uxbridge ?

Most houses in Uxbridge are freehold and not leasehold. This is one of the situations where having a local solicitor used to dealing with such properties who can help the conveyancing process. It is clear that you are purchasing in Uxbridge so you should seriously consider looking for a Uxbridge conveyancing solicitor and be sure that they have experience in dealing with leasehold houses. First you will need to check the number of years remaining. Being a lessee you will not be at liberty to do whatever you want with the house. The lease will likely included provisions such as requiring the freeholder’spermission to carry out alterations. You may also be required to pay a maintenance charge towards the maintenance of the communal areas where the property is located on an estate. Your conveyancer should appraise you on the various issues.

My wife and I purchased a leasehold house in Uxbridge. Conveyancing and Yorkshire Building Society mortgage organised. A letter has just been received from someone saying they have taken over the reversionary interest in the property. Attached was a demand for arrears of ground rent dating back to 1994. The conveyancing solicitor in Uxbridge who previously acted has long since retired.Do I pay?

First make enquiries of the Land Registry to make sure that the individual claiming to own the freehold is in fact the new freeholder. There is no need to incur the fees of a Uxbridge conveyancing lawyer to do this as it can be done on-line for £3. Rest assured that regardless, even if this is the rightful landlord, under the Limitation Act 1980 no more than 6 years of rent can be collected.

What advice can you give us when it comes to appointing a Uxbridge conveyancing firm to carry out our lease extension conveyancing?

If you are instructing a solicitor for your lease extension (regardless if they are a Uxbridge conveyancing practice) it is imperative that they be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of conveyancing. We advise that you speak with two or three firms including non Uxbridge conveyancing practices before you instructing a firm. If the firm is ALEP accredited then so much the better. Some following of questions could be of use:

• Can they put you in touch with client in Uxbridge who can give a testimonial?
• What are the costs for lease extension work?

After years of dialogue we cannot agree with our landlord on how much the lease extension should cost for our flat in Uxbridge. Does the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal have jurisdiction to calculate the appropriate figures?

Absolutely. We can put you in touch with a Uxbridge conveyancing firm who can help.

An example of a Freehold Enfranchisement matter before the tribunal for a Uxbridge property is 164 Nestles Avenue in October 2013. The tribunal agreed with the proposed price of £20,158 for the freehold and determined that that sum is the amount to be paid into court This case affected 2 flats. The the unexpired residue of the current lease was 69 years.

Leasehold Conveyancing in Uxbridge - A selection of Questions you should consider before buying

How much is the ground rent and service charge? Be sure to investigate if there are any onerous prohibitions in the lease. By way of example some leases prohibit pets being permitted in in a block in Uxbridge. If you love the apartmentin Uxbridge yet your dog is not allowed to make the move with you then you will be presented with a hard compromise. It would be prudent to discover as much as you can regarding the company managing the building as they will either make life much simpler or problematic. Being a leasehold owner you are often in the clutches of the managing agents from a financial perspective and when it comes to every day matters such as the upkeep of the common parts. Enquire of prospective neighbours whether they are happy with them. In conclusion, be sure you discover the dates that the service charges are due to the managing agents and precisely what you get for your money.