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When it comes to leasehold conveyancing in Uckfield, you will need to chose a conveyancing lawyer with leasehold experience. Whether your lender is to be Santander, RBS or NatWest be sure to find a lawyer on their panel. Find a Uckfield conveyancing lawyer with our search tool

Frequently asked questions relating to Uckfield leasehold conveyancing

I've found a house that appears to be perfect, at a reasonable figure which is making it more attractive. I have since been informed that the title is leasehold as opposed to freehold. I am assuming that there are issues purchasing a house with a leasehold title in Uckfield. Conveyancing advisers have are soon to be appointed. Will they explain the issues?

Most houses in Uckfield are freehold rather than leasehold. This is one of the situations where having a local conveyancer used to dealing with such properties who can assist with the conveyancing process. It is clear that you are purchasing in Uckfield in which case you should be looking for a Uckfield conveyancing solicitor and check that they have experience in dealing with leasehold houses. As a matter of priority you will need to check the number of years remaining. Being a tenant you will not be at liberty to do whatever you want to the property. The lease comes with conditions for example obtaining the landlord’spermission to carry out alterations. It may be necessary to pay a service charge towards the maintenance of the estate where the house is located on an estate. Your lawyer will appraise you on the various issues.

I am looking at a couple of apartments in Uckfield which have in the region of 50 years left on the lease term. Should I regard a short lease as a deal breaker?

There are plenty of short leases in Uckfield. The lease is a right to use the property for a period of time. As a lease shortens the value of the lease deteriorate and results in it becoming more expensive to acquire a lease extension. This is why it is advisable to extend the lease term. Sometimes it is difficult to sell a property with a short lease as mortgage companies may be reluctant to lend money on such properties. Lease enfranchisement can be a protracted process. We recommend you get professional assistance from a solicitor and surveyor with experience in this field

What are your top tips when it comes to finding a Uckfield conveyancing practice to carry out our lease extension conveyancing?

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

  • If they are not ALEP accredited then what is the reason?
  • How many lease extensions has the firm carried out in Uckfield in the last 12 months?

    • Can you provide any top tips for leasehold conveyancing in Uckfield with the intention of expediting the sale process?

    • Much of the frustration in leasehold conveyancing in Uckfield can be avoided if you get in touch lawyers as soon as your agents start marketing the property and request that they start to collate the leasehold documentation which will be required by the buyers conveyancers.
    • The majority landlords or managing agents in Uckfield charge for supplying management packs for a leasehold premises. You or your lawyers should discover the fee that they propose to charge. The management information can be applied for as soon as you have a buyer, thus reducing delays. The average time it takes to obtain the necessary information is three weeks. It is the most frequent cause of delay in leasehold conveyancing in Uckfield.
  • If you have carried out any alterations to the residence would they have required Landlord’s approval? In particular have you laid down wooden flooring? Uckfield leases often stipulate that internal structural changes or addition of wooden flooring necessitate a licence from the Landlord acquiescing to such alterations. Should you dont have the consents to hand do not contact the landlord without contacting your solicitor before hand.
  • A minority of Uckfield leases require Landlord’s consent to the sale and approval of the buyers. If this is the case, you should place the estate agents on notice to make sure that the purchasers obtain financial (bank) and professional references. Any bank reference will need to confirm that the buyers are able to meet the annual service charge and the actual amount of the service charge should be quoted in the bank’s letter. You will therefore need to provide your estate agents with the actual amount of the service charge so that they can pass this information on to the buyers or their lawyers.
  • If there is a history of any disputes with your freeholder or managing agents it is essential that these are settled prior to the flat being marketed. The buyers and their solicitors will be concerned about purchasing a flat where there is a current dispute. You may have to bite the bullet and pay any arrears of service charge or resolve the dispute prior to the buyers completing the purchase. It is therefore preferable to have any dispute settled prior to the contract papers being issued to the buyers’ solicitors. You will still have to reveal particulars of the dispute to the purchasers, but it is clearly preferable to present the dispute as over as opposed to unsettled.

    • If all goes to plan we aim to complete the disposal of our £475000 flat in Uckfield next Friday . The management company has quoted £384 for Certificate of Compliance, insurance certificate and previous years service charge statements. Is the landlord entitled to charge an administration fee for a leasehold conveyance in Uckfield?

    Uckfield conveyancing on leasehold maisonettes more often than not requires the buyer’s solicitor sending enquiries for the landlord to answer. Although the landlord is not legally bound to respond to such questions most will be willing to assist. They may charge a reasonable charge for answering questions or supplying documentation. There is no upper cap for such fees. The average costs for the paperwork that you are referring to is £350, in some transactions it is in excess of £800. The administration charge levied by the landlord must be sent together with a summary of entitlements and obligations in relation to administration charges, without which the charge is technically not due. Reality however dictates that one has no option but to pay whatever is requested of you should you wish to exchange contracts with the buyer.

    I am the registered owner of a garden flat in Uckfield, conveyancing was carried out half a dozen years ago. Can you let me have an estimated range of the fair premium for a lease extension? Similar properties in Uckfield with an extended lease are worth £255,000. The average or mid-range amount of ground rent is £55 charged once a year. The lease terminates on 21st October 2098

    With just 74 years remaining on your lease the likely cost is going to be between £12,400 and £14,200 plus costs.

    The figure above a general guide to costs for renewing a lease, but we are not able to supply a more accurate figure without more comprehensive investigations. You should not use this information in tribunal or court proceedings. There may be other issues that need to be considered and clearly you want to be as accurate as possible in your negotiations. You should not move forward placing reliance on this information before seeking the advice of a professional.

    Other Topics

    Lease Extensions in Uckfield