Fixed-fee leasehold conveyancing in Saffron Walden:

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Frequently asked questions relating to Saffron Walden leasehold conveyancing

Looking forward to exchange soon on a basement flat in Saffron Walden. Conveyancing solicitors inform me that they are sending me a report tomorrow. What should I be looking out for?

Your report on title for your leasehold conveyancing in Saffron Walden should include some of the following:

  • Details of the parties to the lease, for example these could be the leaseholder (you), head lessor, freeholder
  • The physical extent of the property. This will be the property itself but could also incorporate a loft or cellar if applicable.
  • Does the lease prevent you from letting out the flat, or having a home office for business
  • Ground rent - how much and when you need to pay, and also know whether this will change in the future
  • I don't know whether the lease allows me to alter or improve anything in the flat - you should know whether it applies to all alterations or just structural alteration, and whether consent is required
  • The landlord’s rights to access the flat you be made aware that your landlord has rights of access and I know how much notice s/he must provide.
  • Whether the landlord has obligations to ensure rights of quiet enjoyment over your property and do you know what it means in practice? For a comprehensive list of information to be included in your report on your leasehold property in Saffron Walden please enquire of your solicitor in ahead of your conveyancing in Saffron Walden

    • I today plan to offer on a house that appears to meet my requirements, at a great price which is making it all the more appealing. I have since found out that it's a leasehold as opposed to freehold. I am assuming that there are particular concerns purchasing a leasehold house in Saffron Walden. Conveyancing lawyers have are soon to be appointed. Will they explain the issues?

    The majority of houses in Saffron Walden are freehold and not leasehold. In this scenario it’s worth having a local solicitor used to dealing with such properties who can help the conveyancing process. it is apparent that you are buying in Saffron Walden in which case you should be looking for a Saffron Walden conveyancing practitioner and be sure that they are used to dealing with leasehold houses. First you will need to check the unexpired lease term. As a tenant you will not be at liberty to do whatever you want with the house. The lease comes with conditions for example requiring the freeholder’sconsent to carry out alterations. It may be necessary to pay a service charge towards the maintenance of the estate where the house is located on an estate. Your conveyancer will advise you fully on all the issues.

    I own a leasehold flat in Saffron Walden. Conveyancing and Bank of Scotland mortgage are in place. A letter has just been received from someone claiming to own the freehold. It included a demand for arrears of ground rent dating back to 1991. The conveyancing practitioner in Saffron Walden who acted for me is not around.Do I pay?

    The first thing you should do is make enquiries of HMLR to make sure that this person is indeed the registered owner of the freehold reversion. You do not need to instruct a Saffron Walden conveyancing firm to do this as you can do this on the Land Registry website for a few pound. You should note 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.

    I am looking at a two flats in Saffron Walden which have approximately forty five years left on the lease term. Should I regard a short lease as a deal breaker?

    There are plenty of short leases in Saffron Walden. The lease is a right to use the property for a period of time. As a lease shortens the saleability of the lease reduces and results in it becoming more costly to acquire a lease extension. For this reason it is often a good idea to extend the lease term. It is often difficulties arise selling premises with a short lease because mortgage companies may be unwilling to lend money on such properties. Lease extension can be a difficult process. We recommend you get professional assistance from a conveyancer and surveyor with experience in this area

    Last month I purchased a leasehold house in Saffron Walden. Am I liable to pay service charges for periods before completion of my purchase?

    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. Strange as it may seem, your landlord may still be able to take action to forfeit the lease. It is an essential part 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).

    Saffron Walden Conveyancing for Leasehold Flats - A selection of Queries before buying

      What restrictions are there in the Saffron Walden Lease? Is the freehold owned collectively by the tenants? It would be a good idea to investigate if there are any onerous restrictions in the lease. For instance some leases prohibit pets being allowed in certain buildings in Saffron Walden. If you love the flatin Saffron Walden but your cat is not allowed to live with you then you have a very difficult choice.

    Other Topics

    Lease Extensions in Saffron Walden