Having had my offer accepted I require leasehold conveyancing in Sutton on Trent. Before diving in I want to be sure as to the number of years remaining on the lease.

Assuming the lease is recorded at the land registry - and almost all are in Sutton on Trent - then the leasehold title will always include the short particulars of the lease, namely the date; the term; and the original parties. From a conveyancing perspective such details then enable any prospective buyer and lender to confirm that any lease they are looking at is the one relevant to that title.For any other purpose, such as confirming how long the term was granted for and calculating what is left, then the register should be sufficient on it's own.

I am hoping to put an offer on a small detached house that appears to tick a lot of boxes, at a great figure which is making it more attractive. I have subsequently discovered that it's a leasehold as opposed to freehold. I would have thought that there are particular concerns buying a leasehold house in Sutton on Trent. Conveyancing lawyers have are soon to be appointed. Will they explain the issues?

Most houses in Sutton on Trent are freehold rather than leasehold. This is one of the situations where having a local conveyancer who is familiar with the area can help the conveyancing process. We note that you are buying in Sutton on Trent so you should seriously consider looking for a Sutton on Trent conveyancing solicitor and be sure that they are used to advising on leasehold houses. As a matter of priority you will need to check the unexpired lease term. Being a tenant you will not be at liberty to do whatever you want to the property. The lease will likely included provisions for example obtaining the freeholder’spermission to carry out alterations. It may be necessary to pay a contribution towards the maintenance of the estate where the house is part of an estate. Your conveyancer will appraise you on the various issues.

My wife and I purchased a leasehold flat in Sutton on Trent. Conveyancing and Barnsley Building Society mortgage are in place. I have received a letter from someone claiming to own the freehold. Attached was a demand for arrears of ground rent dating back to 1997. The conveyancing practitioner in Sutton on Trent who previously acted has now retired.Do I pay?

First contact the Land Registry to be sure that this person is indeed the new freeholder. You do not need to incur the fees of a Sutton on Trent conveyancing solicitor 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 landlord, under the Limitation Act 1980 no more than 6 years of rent can be collected.

What advice can you give us when it comes to choosing a Sutton on Trent conveyancing firm to carry out our lease extension conveyancing?

When appointing a property lawyer for lease extension works (regardless if they are a Sutton on Trent conveyancing practice) it is essential that he or she should be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of work. We recommend that you make enquires with two or three firms including non Sutton on Trent conveyancing practices prior to instructing a firm. If the firm is ALEP accredited then that’s a bonus. Some following of questions could be of use:

• How experienced is the practice with lease extension legislation?

In relation to leasehold conveyancing in Sutton on Trent what are the most frequent lease problems?

Leasehold conveyancing in Sutton on Trent is not unique. Most leases are individual and drafting errors can result in certain sections are not included. The following missing provisions could result in a defective lease:

• Repairing obligations to or maintain parts of the premises
• Insurance obligations
• Clauses dealing with recovering service charges for expenditure on the building or common parts.
• Maintenance charge proportions which don’t add up to the correct percentage

A defective lease can cause problems when trying to sell a property primarily because it impacts on the ability to obtain a mortgage on the property. Barclays , Barnsley Building Society, and Clydesdale all have very detailed requirements when it comes to what is expected in a lease. If a mortgage lender believes that the lease is problematic they may refuse to provide security, forcing the purchaser to withdraw.

Sutton on Trent Leasehold Conveyancing - Examples of Questions you should consider Prior to Purchasing

Its a good idea to find out as much as possible about the managing agents as they will either make life much easier or problematic. Being a leasehold owner you are often at the mercy of the managing agents both financially and when it comes to day to day issues such as the cleanliness of the communal areas. Don't be shy to ask other tenants what they think of their service. Finally, find out the dates that you are obliged pay the service charge to the appropriate party and specifically what you get for your money. How much is the maintenance charge and ground rent on the property? Can you tell me if there are any major works in the near future that will likely increase the maintenance charges?

Other Topics

Lease Extensions in Sutton on Trent