Fixed-fee leasehold conveyancing in Sale:

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When it comes to leasehold conveyancing in Sale, you will need to appoint a conveyancing practitioner with leasehold experience. Whether your lender is to be Halifax, Yorkshire Building Society or Bradford & Bingley be sure to choose a lawyer on their approved list. Find a Sale conveyancing lawyer with our search tool

Frequently asked questions relating to Sale leasehold conveyancing

Planning to exchange soon on a ground floor flat in Sale. 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 Sale should include some of the following:

  • The length of the lease term You should be advised as what happens when the lease ends, and aware of the importance of not letting the lease term falling below eighty years
  • The total extent of the premises. This will be the apartment itself but might include a roof space or basement if appropriate.
  • Ground rent - how much and when you need to pay, and also know whether this will change in the future
  • An explanation as to the provision in the lease to pay service charges - with regard to both the building, and the more general rights a leaseholder has
  • Whether your lease has a provision for a sinking fund?
  • Repair and maintenance of the flat
  • 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. For details of the information to be contained in your report on your leasehold property in Sale please enquire of your lawyer in advance of your conveyancing in Sale

    • Back In 2001, I bought a leasehold flat in Sale. Conveyancing and Platform Home Loans Ltd mortgage organised. I have received a letter from someone saying they have taken over the reversionary interest in the property. It included a demand for arrears of ground rent dating back to 1997. The conveyancing practitioner in Sale who acted for me is not around.What should I do?

    The first thing you should do is contact the Land Registry to make sure that this person is indeed the new freeholder. You do not need to instruct a Sale conveyancing firm to do this as it can be done on-line for less than a fiver. 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.

    Can you offer any advice when it comes to finding a Sale conveyancing practice to carry out our lease extension conveyancing?

    If you are instructing a solicitor for your lease extension (regardless if they are a Sale conveyancing firm) it is most important that they be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of work. We suggested that you talk with two or three firms including non Sale conveyancing practices before you instructing a firm. If the firm is ALEP accredited then so much the better. Some following of questions might be of use:

    • How many lease extensions has the firm completed in Sale in the last twenty four months?
  • What are the costs for lease extension work?

    • If all goes to plan we aim to complete our sale of a £275000 maisonette in Sale next Thursday . The freeholder has quoted £384 for Landlord’s certificate, insurance certificate and 3 years statements of service charge. Is it legal for a freeholder to charge such fees for a leasehold conveyance in Sale?

    Sale conveyancing on leasehold flats more often than not requires the buyer’s solicitor sending questions for the landlord to answer. Although the landlord is under no legal obligation to address these enquiries most will be willing to assist. They are entitled invoice a reasonable charge for answering enquiries or supplying documentation. There is no upper cap for such fees. The average costs for the information that you are referring to is over three hundred pounds, in some situations it exceeds £800. The management information fee demanded by the landlord must be sent together with a summary of rights and obligations in relation to administration fees, without which the invoice is technically not due. Reality however dictates that one has little choice but to pay whatever is requested of you should you wish to complete the sale of your home.

    What are the common problems that you encounter in leases for Sale properties?

    Leasehold conveyancing in Sale is not unique. Most leases are individual and legal mistakes in the legal wording can sometimes mean that certain clauses are missing. For example, if your lease is missing any of the following, it could be defective:

    • Repairing obligations to or maintain elements of the premises
    • Insurance obligations
    • A provision for the recovery of money spent for the benefit of another party.
    • Maintenance charge proportions which don’t add up to the correct percentage

    You could have difficulties when selling your property if you have a defective lease as they can affect a potential buyer’s ability to obtain a mortgage. Barclays , Bank of Scotland, and Godiva Mortgages Ltd all have express requirements when it comes to what is expected in a lease. Where a lender has been advised by their lawyers that the lease is defective they may refuse to grant the mortgage, obliging the buyer to withdraw.

    Sale Conveyancing for Leasehold Flats - A selection of Queries before Purchasing

      Does the lease have in excess of 80 years remaining? It is important to be aware whether changing the roof or some other major work is anticipated that will be shared amongst the tenants and could well dramatically increase the the service charges or result in a one off invoice. Is the freehold owned jointly by the tenants?

    Other Topics

    Lease Extensions in Sale