I am on look out for some leasehold conveyancing in Manchester. Before I set the wheels in motion I would like to find out the remaining lease term.

Assuming the lease is registered - and 99.9% are in Manchester - 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 would like to sublet my leasehold flat in Manchester. Conveyancing solicitor who did the purchase is retired - so can't ask him. Is permission from the freeholder required?

A lease governs relations between the freeholder and you the flat owner; in particular, it will set out if subletting is banned, or permitted but only subject to certain conditions. The accepted inference is that if the lease contains no expres ban or restriction, subletting is allowed. Most leases in Manchester do not contain subletting altogether – such a provision would adversely affect the market value the property. In most cases there is simply a requirement that the owner notifies the freeholder, possibly sending a duplicate of the sublease.

Having checked my lease I have discovered that there are only 62 years left on my flat in Manchester. I am keen to get lease extension but my landlord is absent. What should I do?

On the basis that you qualify, under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 you can apply to the County Court for for permission to dispense with the service of the initial notice. This will mean that your lease can be lengthened by the magistrate. However, you will be required to demonstrate that you have used your best endeavours to track down the lessor. For most situations an enquiry agent should be helpful to carry out a search and prepare an expert document to be accepted by the court as evidence that the landlord can not be located. It is advisable to get professional help from a conveyancer in relation to devolving into the landlord’s disappearance and the vesting order request to the County Court covering Manchester.

I am hoping to put an offer on a small detached house that seems to tick a lot of boxes, at a reasonable figure which is making it all the more appealing. I have since discovered that it's a leasehold as opposed to freehold. I am assuming that there are issues purchasing a leasehold house in Manchester. Conveyancing advisers have are about to be appointed. Will my lawyers set out the risks of buying a leasehold house in Manchester ?

The majority of houses in Manchester are freehold and not leasehold. This is one of the situations where having a local solicitor who is familiar with the area can assist with the conveyancing process. it is apparent that you are buying in Manchester in which case you should be looking for a Manchester conveyancing solicitor and be sure that they have experience in dealing with leasehold houses. First you will need to check the unexpired lease term. As a leaseholder you will not be entirely free to do whatever you want with the house. The lease comes with conditions for example requiring the landlord’spermission to conduct changes to the property. You may also be required to pay a contribution towards the upkeep of the estate where the house is part of an estate. Your lawyer should report to you on the legal implications.

Can you offer any advice when it comes to finding a Manchester conveyancing firm to deal with our lease extension?

If you are instructing a solicitor for your lease extension (regardless if they are a Manchester conveyancing firm) it is most important that they be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of work. We suggested that you make enquires with several firms including non Manchester conveyancing practices prior to instructing a firm. If the firm is ALEP accredited then so much the better. Some following of questions could be of use:

• If the firm is not ALEP accredited then what is the reason?

Manchester Leasehold Conveyancing - A selection of Questions you should ask Prior to Purchasing

The answer will be important as a) areas may result in problems for the block as the common areas may start to deteriorate where maintenance are not paid for b) if the leaseholders have an issue with the managing agents you will wish to know about it It is important to be aware if changing the roof or some other significant cost is pending that will be shared by the tenants and will materially increase the the maintenance fees or necessitate a one time payment. It would be sensible to discover as much as possible regarding the company managing the building as they will impact your use and enjoyment of the property. Being a leasehold owner you will be at the mercy of the managing agents both financially and when it comes to day to day issues such as the upkeep of the communal areas. Enquire of prospective neighbours what they think of them. In conclusion, be sure you discover the dates that the maintenance charges are due to the relevant party and specifically what it includes.

Other Topics

Lease Extensions in Manchester