Fixed-fee leasehold conveyancing in Urmston:

Get a Quote

Require a conveyancing quote from a solicitor for leasehold conveyancing in Urmston on your lender’s panel? Use our search tool to find leading local Urmston conveyancing lawyers or national solicitors on your lender’s panel .

Recently asked questions relating to Urmston leasehold conveyancing

I am intending to let out my leasehold apartment in Urmston. Conveyancing solicitor who did the purchase is retired - so can't ask her. Is permission from the freeholder required?

Your lease dictates the relationship between the landlord and you the leaseholder; specifically, it will set out if subletting is not allowed, or permitted but only subject to certain caveats. The accepted inference is that if the lease contains no specific ban or restriction, subletting is permitted. The majority of leases in Urmston do not prevent subletting altogether – such a provision would undoubtedly devalue the flat. Instead, there is usually simply a requirement that the owner notifies the freeholder, possibly supplying a copy of the tenancy agreement.

I today plan to offer on a house that seems to tick a lot of boxes, at a great price which is making it all the more appealing. I have since discovered that it's a leasehold rather than freehold. I would have thought that there are issues buying a leasehold house in Urmston. Conveyancing lawyers have are soon to be appointed. Will my lawyers set out the risks of buying a leasehold house in Urmston ?

Most houses in Urmston are freehold rather than leasehold. In this scenario it’s worth 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 Urmston in which case you should be shopping around for a Urmston conveyancing practitioner and be sure that they are used to dealing with leasehold houses. As a matter of priority you will need to check the unexpired lease term. As a leaseholder you will not be entirely free to do whatever you want to the property. The lease comes with conditions for example obtaining the freeholder’spermission to carry out alterations. It may be necessary to pay a contribution towards the upkeep of the estate where the property is located on an estate. Your lawyer should advise you fully on all the issues.

What are your top tips when it comes to finding a Urmston conveyancing practice to deal with our lease extension?

If you are instructing a solicitor for lease extension works (regardless if they are a Urmston conveyancing firm) it is most important that they be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of work. We suggested that you make enquires with several firms including non Urmston conveyancing practices prior to instructing a firm. Where the conveyancing practice 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 Urmston who can give a testimonial?

    • Can you provide any advice for leasehold conveyancing in Urmston with the intention of expediting the sale process?

    • Much of the frustration in leasehold conveyancing in Urmston can be avoided if you appoint lawyers the minute you market your property and ask them to put together the leasehold information which will be required by the buyers solicitors.
    • The majority freeholders or managing agents in Urmston charge for supplying management packs for a leasehold property. You or your lawyers should enquire as to the actual amount of the charges. The management information can be applied for on or before finding a buyer, thus reducing delays. The typical amount of time it takes to obtain the necessary information is three weeks. It is the most frequent cause of frustration in leasehold conveyancing in Urmston.
  • In the event that you altered the property did you need the Landlord’s permission? In particular have you laid down wooden flooring? Most leases in Urmston state that internal structural alterations or installing wooden flooring calls for a licence from the Landlord approving such alterations. If you fail to have the approvals in place do not communicate with the landlord without checking with your solicitor in advance.
  • If there is a history of conflict with your freeholder or managing agents it is very important that these are settled prior to the flat being marketed. The buyers and their solicitors will be nervous about purchasing a flat where a dispute is ongoing. You may have to bite the bullet and discharge any arrears of service charge or settle the dispute prior to completion of the sale. It is therefore preferable to have any dispute settled ahead of the contract papers being issued to the buyers’ solicitors. You are still duty bound to disclose particulars of the dispute to the buyers, but it is clearly preferable to reveal the dispute as over as opposed to unsettled.
  • You believe that you know the number of years left on your lease but it would be advisable double-check by asking your solicitors. A purchaser's lawyer will be unlikely to recommend their client to proceed with the purchase of a leasehold property the lease term is under 80 years. It is therefore important at an as soon as possible that you identify whether the lease term for your property needs extending. If it does, contact your solicitors before you put your property on the market for sale.

    • Are there frequently found problems that you see in leases for Urmston properties?

    Leasehold conveyancing in Urmston is not unique. All leases are individual and drafting errors can result in certain sections are missing. The following missing provisions could result in a defective lease:

    • A provision to repair to or maintain parts of the building
    • Insurance obligations
    • A provision for the recovery of money spent for the benefit of another party.
    • Maintenance charge proportions which don’t add up to the correct percentage

    A defective lease will likely cause problems when trying to sell a property as they can affect a potential buyer’s ability to obtain a mortgage. Birmingham Midshires, The Mortgage Works, and Nottingham Building Society all have very detailed conveyancing instructions when it comes to what is expected in a lease. Where a lender has been advised by their lawyers that the lease is problematic they may refuse to provide security, forcing the purchaser to pull out.

    Urmston Conveyancing for Leasehold Flats - Examples of Questions you should consider before buying

      It would be a good idea to enquire if there is anything that is prohibited in the lease. For instance it is very common in Urmston leases that pets are not permitted in in a block in Urmston. If you like the flatin Urmston but your dog is not allowed to move with you then you will be presented with a hard choice. How much is the ground rent and service charge? How many of the leaseholders are in arrears for their service charge payments?

    Other Topics

    Lease Extensions in Urmston