Leasehold Conveyancing in Macclesfield - Get a Quote from the leasehold experts approved by your lender

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Any conveyancing solicitor can theoretically deal with your leasehold conveyancing in Macclesfield, your mortgage provider may not be willing to work with them if the firm are not on their list of approved solicitors for conveyancing

Recently asked questions relating to Macclesfield leasehold conveyancing

I have just appointed agents to market my basement flat in Macclesfield.Conveyancing solicitors are to be appointed soon but I have just received a yearly maintenance charge invoice – Do I pay up?

The sensible thing to do is pay the invoice as normal because all ground rent and service charges will be apportioned on completion, so you will be reimbursed by the buyer for the period running from after the completion date to the next payment date. Most management companies will not acknowledge the buyer unless the service charges have been paid and are up to date so it is important for both buyer and seller for the seller to show that they are up to date. This will smooth the conveyancing process.

I've found a house that appears to meet my requirements, at a reasonable price which is making it all the more appealing. I have just found out that it's a leasehold as opposed to freehold. I am assuming that there are issues purchasing a leasehold house in Macclesfield. Conveyancing lawyers have are about to be instructed. Will they explain the issues?

Most houses in Macclesfield are freehold rather than leasehold. In this scenario it’s worth having a local solicitor used to dealing with such properties who can help the conveyancing process. We note that you are purchasing in Macclesfield in which case you should be looking for a Macclesfield conveyancing solicitor and check that they are used to dealing with leasehold houses. First you will need to check the number of years remaining. As a lessee you will not be at liberty to do whatever you want with the house. The lease comes with conditions for example obtaining the freeholder’spermission to carry out alterations. You may also be required to pay a service charge towards the upkeep of the communal areas where the property is located on an estate. Your solicitor should report to you on the legal implications.

I own a leasehold house in Macclesfield. Conveyancing and Clydesdale mortgage organised. A letter has just been received from someone claiming to own the reversionary interest in the property. It included a ground rent demand for rent dating back to 1991. The conveyancing solicitor in Macclesfield who acted for me is not around.Do I pay?

The first thing you should do is contact the Land Registry to make sure that this person is indeed the registered owner of the freehold reversion. It is not necessary to instruct a Macclesfield conveyancing practitioner to do this as it can be done on-line for £3. Rest assured that regardless, even if this is the rightful freeholder, under the Limitation Act 1980 the limitation period for recovery of ground rent is six years.

What advice can you give us when it comes to choosing a Macclesfield conveyancing practice to carry out our lease extension conveyancing?

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

  • How experienced is the firm with lease extension legislation?
  • Can they put you in touch with client in Macclesfield who can give a testimonial?

    • Can you provide any advice for leasehold conveyancing in Macclesfield from the perspective of expediting the sale process?

    • Much of the delay in leasehold conveyancing in Macclesfield can be avoided if you instruct lawyers as soon as your agents start advertising the property and ask them to put together the leasehold information which will be required by the buyers lawyers.
    • The majority freeholders or managing agents in Macclesfield levy fees for providing management packs for a leasehold premises. You or your lawyers should enquire as to the fee that they propose to charge. The management information can be applied for on or before finding a buyer, thus accelerating the process. The average time it takes to obtain the necessary information is three weeks. It is the most common reason for delay in leasehold conveyancing in Macclesfield.
  • In the event that you altered the property did you need the Landlord’s consent? Have you, for example laid down wooden flooring? Macclesfield leases often stipulate that internal structural changes or installing wooden flooring necessitate a licence issued by the Landlord consenting to such changes. If you dont have the paperwork to hand you should not contact the landlord without contacting your solicitor in the first instance.
  • If there is a history of any disputes with your freeholder or managing agents it is essential that these are settled before the property is marketed. The buyers and their solicitors will be nervous about purchasing a flat where there is a current dispute. You will have to accept that you will have to pay any arrears of service charge or settle the dispute prior to the buyers completing the purchase. It is therefore preferable to have any dispute settled prior to the contract papers being issued to the buyers’ solicitors. You will still have to reveal details of the dispute to the buyers, but it is better to reveal the dispute as historic as opposed to unsettled.
  • If you are supposed to have a share in the Management Company, you should ensure that you hold the original share certificate. Arranging a duplicate share certificate is often a lengthy process and frustrates many a Macclesfield conveyancing deal. Where a reissued share certificate is necessary, you should approach the company officers or managing agents (where applicable) for this sooner rather than later.

    • Macclesfield Conveyancing for Leasehold Flats - Examples of Questions you should ask Prior to Purchasing

      The best form of lease arrangement is a share of the freehold. In this arrangement the tenants have being in charge if their destiny and even though a managing agent is often employed if the building is bigger than a house conversion, the managing agent acts for the leaseholders themselves. It would be wise to find out as much as you can concerning the managing agents as they will affect your use and enjoyment of the property. Being a leasehold owner you are often in the clutches of the managing agents both financially and when it comes to every day issues like the tidiness of the communal areas. Ask other tenants what they think of them. In conclusion, find out the dates that the service charges are due to the appropriate party and precisely what you get for your money. Please note if it is less than 80 years it will impact the salability of the apartment. It is worth checking with your bank that they are willing to go ahead with the loan given the lease term. A short lease means that you will almost definitely need a lease extension sooner rather than later and you need to have some idea of how much this would cost. Remember, in most cases you will need to own the property for two years before you are eligible to extend the lease.

    Other Topics

    Lease Extensions in Macclesfield