Guaranteed fixed fees for Leasehold Conveyancing in Newton Abbot

Get a Quote

Need to find a solicitor for leasehold conveyancing in Newton Abbot on your lender’s panel? Make use of our search tool to find quality local Newton Abbot conveyancing lawyers or national solicitors on your lender’s panel .

Questions and Answers: Newton Abbot leasehold conveyancing

I wish to sublet my leasehold apartment in Newton Abbot. Conveyancing solicitor who did the purchase is retired - so can't ask him. Is permission from the freeholder required?

Some leases for properties in Newton Abbot do contain a provision to say that subletting is only allowed with permission. The landlord is not entitled to unreasonably withhold but, in such cases, they would need to see references. Experience dictates that problems are usually caused by unsatisfactory tenants rather than owner-occupiers and for that reason you can expect the freeholder to take up the references and consider them carefully before granting consent.

Planning to exchange soon on a leasehold property in Newton Abbot. Conveyancing solicitors have said that they report fully within the next couple of days. What should I be looking out for?

The report on title for your leasehold conveyancing in Newton Abbot should include some of the following:

  • You should be sent a copy of the lease
  • Details of the parties to the lease, for example these could be the leaseholder (you), head lessor, landlord
  • Does the lease require carpeting throughout thus preventing wood flooring?
  • Are pets allowed in the flat?
  • You must be told what counts as a Nuisance in the lease
  • You should have a good understanding of the insurance provisions
  • Responsibility for repairing the window frames For a comprehensive list of information to be contained in your report on your leasehold property in Newton Abbot please ask your lawyer in advance of your conveyancing in Newton Abbot

    • I've found a house that seems to meet my requirements, at a reasonable figure which is making it all the more appealing. I have subsequently discovered that the title is leasehold as opposed to freehold. I am assuming that there are issues buying a house with a leasehold title in Newton Abbot. Conveyancing advisers have are about to be instructed. Will they explain the issues?

    The majority of houses in Newton Abbot 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 clear that you are purchasing in Newton Abbot so you should seriously consider shopping around for a Newton Abbot conveyancing solicitor and be sure that they have experience in advising on leasehold houses. As a matter of priority you will need to check the unexpired lease term. Being 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. It may be necessary to pay a contribution towards the maintenance of the communal areas where the house is part of an estate. Your solicitor should advise you fully on all the issues.

    Last month I purchased a leasehold property in Newton Abbot. Do I have any liability for service charges relating to a period prior to my ownership?

    In a situation where the service charge has already been demanded from the previous owner and they have not paid you would not usually be personally liable for the arrears. However, your landlord may still be able to take action to forfeit the lease. A critical element of leasehold conveyancing for your conveyancer to ensure to have an up to date clear service charge receipt before completion of your purchase. If you have a mortgage this is likely to be a requirement of your lender.

    If you purchase part way through an accounting year you may be liable for charges not yet demanded even if they relate to a period prior to your purchase. In such circumstances your conveyancer would normally arrange for the seller to set aside some money to cover their part of the period (usually called a service charge retention).

    Can you offer any advice when it comes to appointing a Newton Abbot conveyancing firm to deal with our lease extension?

    If you are instructing a conveyancer for your lease extension (regardless if they are a Newton Abbot conveyancing firm) it is most important that he or she should be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of conveyancing. We recommend that you speak with several firms including non Newton Abbot conveyancing practices prior to instructing a firm. If the firm is ALEP accredited then so much the better. Some following of questions might be helpful:

    • How familiar is the firm with lease extension legislation?
  • If the firm is not ALEP accredited then why not?

    • Newton Abbot Leasehold Conveyancing - Examples of Queries before Purchasing

      How much is the ground rent and service charge? Does this lease have in excess of 90 years unexpired? Its a good idea to discover as much as possible concerning the company managing the building as they will either make living at the property much simpler or problematic. Being a leasehold owner you are often in the clutches of the managing agents both financially and when it comes to every day issues such as the cleanliness of the common parts. Enquire of prospective neighbours whether they are happy with them. In conclusion, find out the dates that the service fees are due to the managing agents and precisely how they are spending the funds.

    Other Topics

    Lease Extensions in Newton Abbot