I today plan to offer on a house that seems to meet my requirements, at a reasonable price which is making it all the more appealing. I have since been informed that the title is leasehold rather than freehold. I am assuming that there are issues purchasing a leasehold house in Uckfield. Conveyancing advisers have are soon to be appointed. Will my lawyers set out the risks of buying a leasehold house in Uckfield ?

Most houses in Uckfield are freehold rather than leasehold. In this scenario it’s worth having a local solicitor used to dealing with such properties who can help the conveyancing process. We note that you are purchasing in Uckfield so you should seriously consider shopping around for a Uckfield conveyancing solicitor and be sure that they have experience in transacting on leasehold houses. First you will need to check the number of years remaining. Being a lessee you will not be at liberty to do whatever you want to the property. The lease will likely included provisions such as obtaining the freeholder’spermission to conduct changes to the property. It may be necessary to pay a contribution towards the upkeep of the estate where the property is part of an estate. Your lawyer will appraise you on the various issues.

Back In 2005, I bought a leasehold flat in Uckfield. Conveyancing and Bank of Ireland mortgage are in place. I have received a letter from someone claiming to own the freehold. It included a demand for arrears of ground rent dating back to 1998. The conveyancing solicitor in Uckfield who acted for me is not around.Any advice?

First make enquiries of the Land Registry to be sure that this person is indeed the registered owner of the freehold reversion. There is no need to instruct a Uckfield conveyancing lawyer to do this as it can be done on-line for £3. You should note that regardless, even if this is the legitimate freeholder, under the Limitation Act 1980 the limitation period for recovery of ground rent is six years.

I am looking at a two apartments in Uckfield both have about 50 years remaining on the leases. Do I need to be concerned?

A lease is a legal document that entitles you to use the premises for a period of time. As a lease shortens the value of the lease deteriorate and it becomes more expensive to extend the lease. This is why it is often a good idea to increase the term of the lease. Sometimes it is difficulties arise selling premises with a short lease because mortgage companies may be unwilling to lend money on properties of this type. Lease enfranchisement can be a protracted process. We recommend you seek professional help from a solicitor and surveyor with experience in this area

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

When appointing a solicitor for lease extension works (regardless if they are a Uckfield conveyancing practice) it is most important that they be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of conveyancing. We recommend that you make enquires with two or three firms including non Uckfield conveyancing practices before you instructing a firm. Where the conveyancing practice is ALEP accredited then so much the better. Some following of questions might be useful:

• If the firm is not ALEP accredited then what is the reason?

Can they put you in touch with client in Uckfield who can give a testimonial?

If all goes to plan we aim to complete our sale of a £475000 flat in Uckfield in 10 days. The freeholder has quoted £324 for Landlord’s certificate, building insurance schedule and previous years service charge statements. Is the landlord entitled to charge exorbitant fees for a flat conveyance in Uckfield?

Uckfield conveyancing on leasehold apartments normally results in administration charges levied by managing agents :

• Completing pre-exchange enquiries
• Where consent is required before sale in Uckfield
• Copies of the building insurance and schedule
• Deeds of covenant upon sale
• Registering of the assignment of the change of lessee after a sale

Your conveyancer will have no control over the level of the charges for this information but the average costs for the information for Uckfield leasehold property is £350. For Uckfield conveyancing transactions it is customary for the seller to pay for these costs. The landlord or their agents are under no legal obligation to answer such questions most will be willing to do so - albeit often at exorbitant prices where the fees bear little relation to the work involved. Unfortunately there is no law that requires fixed charges for administrative tasks. Neither is there any legal time frame by which they are obliged to provide answers.

Uckfield Conveyancing for Leasehold Flats - Examples of Queries before buying

Who is in charge of the building? On the whole the cost for major works tend not to be included within maintenance charges, although some managing agents in Uckfield require leaseholders to pay into a reserve fund and this is used to offset against major repairs or maintenance. The best form of lease structure is where the freehold interest is owned by the leaseholders. In this arrangement the lessees benefit from being in charge if their destiny and even though a managing agent is often employed if the building is larger than a house conversion, the managing agent is directed by the tenants.

Other Topics

Lease Extensions in Uckfield