I am in need of some leasehold conveyancing in Trafford. Before I get started I would like to find out the unexpired term of the lease.

If the lease is recorded at the land registry - and almost all are in Trafford - then the leasehold title will always include the basic details 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 wish to sublet my leasehold apartment in Trafford. Conveyancing solicitor who did the purchase is retired - so can't ask him. Is permission from the freeholder required?

Your lease governs the relationship between the freeholder and you the leaseholder; specifically, it will indicate if subletting is not allowed, or permitted but only subject to certain caveats. The accepted inference is that if the lease contains no expres ban or restriction, subletting is permitted. Most leases in Trafford do not prevent strict prohibition on subletting – such a clause would adversely affect the market value the property. In most cases there is a basic requirement that the owner notifies the freeholder, possibly sending a copy of the sublease.

I today plan to offer on a house that seems to meet my requirements, at a great figure which is making it more attractive. I have subsequently discovered that the title is leasehold as opposed to freehold. I would have thought that there are particular concerns buying a house with a leasehold title in Trafford. Conveyancing solicitors have are soon to be instructed. Will they explain the issues?

The majority of houses in Trafford are freehold rather than leasehold. In this scenario it’s worth having a local solicitor used to dealing with such properties who can assist with the conveyancing process. We note that you are purchasing in Trafford so you should seriously consider looking for a Trafford 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 number of years remaining. As 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 freeholder’spermission to carry out alterations. You may also be required to pay a contribution towards the maintenance of the communal areas where the property is part of an estate. Your lawyer should report to you on the legal implications.

I am a negotiator for a reputable estate agent office in Trafford where we have experienced a few leasehold sales derailed due to leases having less than 80 years remaining. I have received conflicting advice from local Trafford conveyancing firms. Could you clarify whether the seller of a flat can initiate the lease extension formalities for the purchaser on completion of the sale?

Provided that the seller has been the owner for at least 2 years it is possible, to serve a Section 42 notice to commence the lease extension process and assign the benefit of the notice to the purchaser. The benefit of this is that the proposed purchaser need not have to wait 2 years to extend their lease. Both sets of lawyers will agree to form of assignment. The assignment has to be done before, or at the same time as completion of the sale.

An alternative approach is to extend the lease informally by agreement with the landlord either before or after the sale. If you are informally negotiating there are no rules and so you cannot insist on the landlord agreeing to grant an extension or transferring the benefit of an agreement to the purchaser.

What advice can you give us when it comes to appointing a Trafford conveyancing practice to deal with our lease extension?

When appointing a solicitor for lease extension works (regardless if they are a Trafford conveyancing firm) it is essential that they be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of work. We advise that you make enquires with several firms including non Trafford conveyancing practices before you instructing a firm. Where the conveyancing practice is ALEP accredited then so much the better. Some following of questions could be of use:

• What volume of lease extensions have they completed in Trafford in the last 12 months?

Trafford Conveyancing for Leasehold Flats - Examples of Questions you should consider Prior to buying

It is important to be aware whether a new roof is being installed or some other significant cost is anticipated to be shared between the leaseholders and will materially impact the level of the maintenance charges or result in a specific invoice. This question is helpful as a) areas could result in problems for the building as the communal areas may begin to deteriorate where repairs are not paid for b) if the leasehold owners have a dispute with the managing agents you will wish to have all the details Can you tell me if there are any major works in the near future that will likely increase the service charges?

Other Topics

Lease Extensions in Trafford