I have recently realised that I have 68 years unexpired on my lease in Sandiacre. I now wish to get lease extension but my freeholder is can not be found. What options are available to me?

On the basis that you meet the appropriate requirements, under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 you can apply to the County Court for an order to dispense with the service of the initial notice. This will mean that your lease can be granted an extra 90 years by the Court. However, you will be required to prove that you have made all reasonable attempts to find the freeholder. For most situations an enquiry agent would be helpful to carry out a search and prepare an expert document which can be accepted by the court as proof that the freeholder is indeed missing. It is advisable to get professional help from a property lawyer both on devolving into the landlord’s absence and the vesting order request to the County Court overseeing Sandiacre.

Planning to complete next month on a basement flat in Sandiacre. Conveyancing lawyers assured me that they will have a report out to me within the next couple of days. Are there areas in the report that I should be focusing on?

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

• The physical extent of the property. This will be the property itself but could also incorporate a roof space or cellar if applicable.

I've found a house that appears to meet my requirements, at a great figure which is making it more attractive. I have subsequently discovered that the title is leasehold rather than freehold. I am assuming that there are particular concerns buying a leasehold house in Sandiacre. Conveyancing lawyers have are soon to be appointed. Will my lawyers set out the risks of buying a leasehold house in Sandiacre ?

The majority of houses in Sandiacre are freehold rather than leasehold. This is one of the situations where having a local conveyancer used to dealing with such properties who can help the conveyancing process. it is apparent that you are buying in Sandiacre in which case you should be shopping around for a Sandiacre 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 landlord’sconsent to carry out changes to the property. You may also be required to pay a contribution towards the upkeep of the estate where the property is located on an estate. Your lawyer will report to you on the legal implications.

Completion in due on our sale of a £350000 maisonette in Sandiacre in 10 days. The management company has quoted £372 for Certificate of Compliance, building insurance schedule and 3 years service charge statements. Is it legal for a freeholder to charge an administration fee for a leasehold conveyance in Sandiacre?

Sandiacre conveyancing on leasehold flats more often than not involves the buyer’s lawyer sending enquiries for the landlord to answer. Although the landlord is not legally bound to answer these enquiries most will be willing to do so. They may levy a reasonable administration fee for answering enquiries or supplying documentation. There is no set fee. The average costs for the paperwork that you are referring to is over three hundred pounds, in some cases it is in excess of £800. The administration charge required by the landlord must be accompanied by a synopsis of entitlements and obligations in relation to administration fees, without which the charge is not strictly payable. Reality however dictates that one has little option but to pay whatever is requested of you if you want to sell the property.

In relation to leasehold conveyancing in Sandiacre what are the most frequent lease problems?

There is nothing unique about leasehold conveyancing in Sandiacre. Most leases are unique and legal mistakes in the legal wording can sometimes mean that certain sections are not included. For example, if your lease is missing any of the following, it could be defective:

• A provision to repair to or maintain parts of the property
• A duty to insure the building
• 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 will 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. Halifax, Virgin Money, and TSB all have very detailed requirements when it comes to what is expected in a lease. Where a lender has been advised by their lawyers that the lease is problematic they may refuse to grant the mortgage, obliging the purchaser to pull out.

Sandiacre Conveyancing for Leasehold Flats - A selection of Questions you should ask Prior to buying

It is important to be aware whether changing the roof or some other significant cost is due shortly that will be shared amongst the tenants and could well materially increase the the service costs or result in a specific payment. This question is useful as a) areas may cause problems in the block as the communal areas may begin to deteriorate where repairs are not paid for b) if the leaseholders have an issue with the managing agents you will need to have full disclosure For most Sandiacre leaseholds the outlay for major works are not included within maintenance charges, although there some managing agents in Sandiacre ask tenants to contribute towards a sinking fund and this is used to offset against major repairs or maintenance.

Other Topics

Lease Extensions in Sandiacre