Questions and Answers: Newhaven leasehold conveyancing
Back In 2005, I bought a leasehold house in Newhaven. Conveyancing and HSBC Bank mortgage organised. I have received a letter 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 Newhaven who previously acted has long since retired.What should I do?
First make enquiries of HMLR to be sure that the individual purporting to own the freehold is in fact the new freeholder. There is no need to instruct a Newhaven conveyancing practitioner to do this as you can do this on the Land Registry website for a few pound. Rest assured that in any event, 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 finding a Newhaven conveyancing firm to carry out our lease extension conveyancing?
If you are instructing a property lawyer for lease extension works (regardless if they are a Newhaven conveyancing firm) it is imperative that he or she should be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of conveyancing. We advise that you speak with several firms including non Newhaven 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 familiar is the firm with lease extension legislation?
Do you have any top tips for leasehold conveyancing in Newhaven from the point of view of speeding up the sale process?
- A significant proportion of the delay in leasehold conveyancing in Newhaven can be reduced if you appoint lawyers as soon as you market your property and ask them to put together the leasehold documentation needed by the buyers lawyers.
- Many landlords or managing agents in Newhaven levy fees for providing management packs for a leasehold premises. You or your lawyers should find out 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 frequent reason for delay in leasehold conveyancing in Newhaven.
All being well we will complete the disposal of our £150000 apartment in Newhaven in just under a week. The landlords agents has quoted £420 for Landlord’s certificate, insurance certificate and 3 years statements of service charge. Is it legal for a freeholder to charge an administration fee for a flat conveyance in Newhaven?
Newhaven conveyancing on leasehold maisonettes normally results in administration charges invoiced by management companies :
- Answering conveyancing due diligence questions
- Where consent is required before sale in Newhaven
- Copies of the building insurance and schedule
- Deeds of covenant upon sale
- Registering of the assignment of the change of lessee after a sale
What makes a Newhaven lease unmortgageable?
There is nothing unique about leasehold conveyancing in Newhaven. Most leases is drafted differently and legal mistakes in the legal wording can result in certain provisions are not included. The following missing provisions could result in a defective lease:
- Repairing obligations to or maintain elements of the building
- A duty to insure the building
- A provision for the recovery of money spent for the benefit of another party.
- Service charge per centages that don't add up correctly leaving a shortfall
A defective lease can cause issues when trying to sell a property primarily because it impacts on the ability to obtain a mortgage on the property. Barclays , Leeds Building Society, and Aldermore all have very detailed conveyancing instructions when it comes to what is expected in a lease. Where a lender has been advised by their lawyers that the lease does not cover certain provisions they may refuse to grant the mortgage, obliging the purchaser to pull out.
Newhaven Leasehold Conveyancing - Examples of Questions you should ask Prior to Purchasing
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Does the lease have in excess of 90 years unexpired?
How many of the leaseholders are in arrears for their maintenance charge payments?
The best form of lease arrangement is if the freehold title is in the ownership of the leaseholders. In this arrangement the tenants have being in charge if their destiny and notwithstanding that a managing agent is usually employed where the building is bigger than a house conversion, the managing agent is directed by the tenants.
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