Fixed-fee leasehold conveyancing in Small Heath:

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Any conveyancing practice can theoretically deal with your leasehold conveyancing in Small Heath, your mortgage provider may unwilling to work with them if the firm are not on their list of approved solicitors for conveyancing

Top Five Questions relating to Small Heath leasehold conveyancing

Having checked my lease I have discovered that there are only Fifty years left on my lease in Small Heath. I now wish to get lease extension but my landlord is absent. What should I do?

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 enable the lease to be extended by the Court. You will be obliged to prove that you or your lawyers have done all that could be expected to find the freeholder. For most situations a specialist should be useful to try and locate and prepare a report to be used as proof that the landlord can not be located. It is wise to seek advice from a solicitor both on proving the landlord’s absence and the vesting order request to the County Court overseeing Small Heath.

Expecting to sign contracts shortly on a studio apartment in Small Heath. Conveyancing solicitors assured me that they are sending me a report on Monday. What should I be looking out for?

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

  • You should receive a copy of the lease
  • Will you be prohibited or prevented from having pets in the property?
  • Ground rent - how much and when you need to pay, and also know whether this is subject to change
  • 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
  • Changes to the flat (alterations and additions)
  • 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
  • What the implications are if you breach a clause of your lease? For details of the information to be contained in your report on your leasehold property in Small Heath please ask your lawyer in ahead of your conveyancing in Small Heath

    • I am attracted to a two maisonettes in Small Heath which have approximately 50 years left on the leases. Will this present a problem?

    There are plenty of short leases in Small Heath. The lease is a right to use the premises for a period of time. As the lease shortens the saleability of the lease reduces and results in it becoming more expensive to extend the lease. For this reason it is often a good idea to extend the lease term. Sometimes it is difficulties arise selling premises with a short lease because mortgage lenders may be reluctant to lend money on such properties. Lease enfranchisement can be a protracted process. We recommend you get professional help from a conveyancer and surveyor with experience in this arena

    Last month I purchased a leasehold house in Small Heath. Do I have any liability for service charges for periods before completion of my purchase?

    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 finding a Small Heath conveyancing practice to carry out our lease extension conveyancing?

    When appointing a property lawyer for your lease extension (regardless if they are a Small Heath conveyancing firm) it is imperative that they be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of work. We recommend that you speak with several firms including non Small Heath conveyancing practices before you instructing a firm. If the firm is ALEP accredited then that’s a bonus. Some following of questions could be helpful:

    • If the firm is not ALEP accredited then what is the reason?
  • Can they put you in touch with client in Small Heath who can give a testimonial?

    • Leasehold Conveyancing in Small Heath - Sample of Queries before Purchasing

      How long is the Lease? It is important to be aware whether a new roof is being put on or some other major work is anticipated that will be shared amongst the tenants and will dramatically impact the level of the service costs or necessitate a one off payment. Who is in charge of the building?

    Other Topics

    Lease Extensions in Small Heath