Recently asked questions relating to West Norwood leasehold conveyancing
Having had my offer accepted I require leasehold conveyancing in West Norwood. Before diving in I would like to find out the remaining lease term.
Assuming the lease is recorded at the land registry - and 99.9% are in West Norwood - 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 wish to rent out my leasehold flat in West Norwood. Conveyancing solicitor who did the purchase is retired - so can't ask him. Do I need to ask my freeholder for permission?
The lease governs the relationship between the landlord and you the leaseholder; specifically, it will set out if subletting is prohibited, or permitted but only subject to certain conditions. The rule is that if the lease contains no specific ban or restriction, subletting is permitted. Most leases in West Norwood do not prevent subletting altogether – such a provision would adversely affect the market value the property. Instead, there is usually a basic requirement that the owner notifies the freeholder, possibly sending a copy of the tenancy agreement.
I have recently realised that I have 62 years unexpired on my flat in West Norwood. I now want to extend my lease but my freeholder is missing. What options are available to me?
On the basis that you qualify, 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 Court. However, you will be required to prove that you have done all that could be expected to locate the landlord. In some cases a specialist should be helpful to carry out a search and prepare a report which can be used as proof that the freeholder is indeed missing. It is wise to seek advice from a conveyancer both on proving the landlord’s absence and the vesting order request to the County Court overseeing West Norwood.
I've found a house that seems to tick a lot of boxes, at a reasonable figure which is making it all the more appealing. I have just found out that the title is leasehold rather than freehold. I would have thought that there are issues buying a leasehold house in West Norwood. Conveyancing solicitors have not yet been appointed. Will they explain the issues?
Most houses in West Norwood are freehold and not leasehold. This is one of the situations where having a local conveyancer used to dealing with such properties who can assist with the conveyancing process. it is apparent that you are purchasing in West Norwood so you should seriously consider shopping around for a West Norwood conveyancing solicitor and check that they are used to advising on leasehold houses. First you will need to check the number of years remaining. Being a tenant you will not be entirely free to do whatever you want to the property. The lease comes with conditions such as requiring the freeholder’spermission to conduct alterations. It may be necessary to pay a contribution towards the upkeep of the communal areas where the house is located on an estate. Your solicitor should advise you fully on all the issues.
We expect to complete the disposal of our £200000 garden flat in West Norwood on Friday in a week. The management company has quoted £360 for Landlord’s certificate, insurance certificate and previous years service charge statements. Is the landlord entitled to charge an administration fee for a leasehold conveyance in West Norwood?
West Norwood conveyancing on leasehold maisonettes normally results in administration charges levied by managing agents :
- Completing conveyancing due diligence enquiries
- Where consent is required before sale in West Norwood
- Supplying insurance information
- Deeds of covenant upon sale
- Registering of the assignment of the change of lessee after a sale
I have given up seeking a lease extension in West Norwood. Can this matter be resolved via the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal?
You certainly can. We can put you in touch with a West Norwood conveyancing firm who can help.
An example of a Freehold Enfranchisement case for a West Norwood premises is 172 Knollys Road in February 2012. On 13 September 2011 District Judge Guinan made a vesting order and the proceedings were transferred to the tribunal for the purpose of assessing the premium which was subsequently calculated to be £24,003 This case affected 4 flats. The unexpired term was 98.28 for 3 flats other than the garden flat which had 66.04 years remaining.