I am in need of some leasehold conveyancing in West Drayton. Before I set the wheels in motion I require certainty as to the remaining lease term.

If the lease is recorded at the land registry - and 99.9% are in West Drayton - then the leasehold title will always include the short particulars 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.

Having checked my lease I have discovered that there are only Fifty years left on my lease in West Drayton. I am keen to get lease extension but my freeholder is can not be found. 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 extended by the magistrate. However, you will be required to demonstrate that you have done all that could be expected to find the lessor. For most situations an enquiry agent should be helpful to conduct investigations and prepare a report to be accepted by the court as evidence that the landlord is indeed missing. It is wise to seek advice from a solicitor in relation to devolving into the landlord’s absence and the application to the County Court overseeing West Drayton.

Looking forward to complete next month on a leasehold property in West Drayton. Conveyancing solicitors assured me that they report fully tomorrow. What should I be looking out for?

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

• Defining your legal entitlements in respect of common areas in the building.E.G., does the lease contain a right of way over an accessway or hallways?
• Whether your lease has a provision for a reserve fund?
• Repair and maintenance of the flat
• Changes to the flat (alterations and additions)
• 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 the implications are if you breach a clause of your lease?

I've found a house that seems to meet my requirements, at a great price which is making it all the more appealing. I have just discovered that it's a leasehold as opposed to freehold. I am assuming that there are particular concerns purchasing a house with a leasehold title in West Drayton. Conveyancing advisers have not yet been instructed. Will they explain the issues?

Most houses in West Drayton are freehold and not leasehold. In this scenario it’s worth having a local solicitor used to dealing with such properties who can help the conveyancing process. It is clear that you are purchasing in West Drayton so you should seriously consider looking for a West Drayton conveyancing solicitor 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. Being a leaseholder you will not be at liberty to do whatever you want with the house. The lease will likely included provisions for example requiring the freeholder’sconsent to carry out changes to the property. It may be necessary to pay a maintenance charge towards the maintenance of the communal areas where the property is part of an estate. Your lawyer should advise you fully on all the issues.

What are your top tips when it comes to choosing a West Drayton conveyancing firm to carry out our lease extension conveyancing?

If you are instructing a solicitor for your lease extension (regardless if they are a West Drayton conveyancing firm) it is most important that they be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of conveyancing. We suggested that you make enquires with two or three firms including non West Drayton conveyancing practices prior to instructing a firm. If the firm is ALEP accredited then that’s a bonus. Some following of questions could be useful:

• How many lease extensions have they carried out in West Drayton in the last 12 months?
• Can they put you in touch with client in West Drayton who can give a testimonial?

I am the leaseholder of a basement flat in West Drayton. In the absence of agreement between myself and the landlord, can the Leasehold valuation Tribunal determine the premium due for the purchase of the freehold?

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

An example of a Freehold Enfranchisement matter before the tribunal for a West Drayton premises 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 was in relation to 2 flats. The the unexpired residue of the current lease was 69 years.

West Drayton Leasehold Conveyancing - Examples of Questions you should ask before buying

Is anyone aware of any major works in the planning that could add a premium to the service fees? The best form of lease structure is where the freehold title is in the ownership of the leaseholders. In this arrangement the tenants enjoy control and notwithstanding that a managing agent is frequently employed if it is bigger than a house conversion, the managing agent acts for the leaseholders themselves.