Expecting to sign contracts shortly on a studio apartment in West Wittering. Conveyancing solicitors have said that they will have a report out to me next week. What should I be looking out for?

The report on title for your leasehold conveyancing in West Wittering should include some of the following:

• The length of the lease term You should be advised as what happens when the lease ends, and informed of the importance of the 80 year mark

I've found a house that seems to be perfect, at a great figure which is making it all the more appealing. I have just found out that the title is leasehold rather than freehold. I am assuming that there are issues buying a house with a leasehold title in West Wittering. Conveyancing solicitors have not yet been appointed. Will they explain the issues?

Most houses in West Wittering are freehold rather than leasehold. In this scenario it’s worth having a local solicitor who is familiar with the area can help the conveyancing process. it is apparent that you are buying in West Wittering so you should seriously consider shopping around for a West Wittering conveyancing solicitor and check 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 tenant you will not be entirely free to do whatever you want to the property. The lease will likely included provisions such as obtaining the freeholder’spermission to conduct alterations. You may also be required to pay a maintenance charge towards the upkeep of the communal areas where the property is located on an estate. Your solicitor will appraise you on the various issues.

I am attracted to a couple of flats in West Wittering both have approximately fifty years unexpired on the leases. Should I regard a short lease as a deal breaker?

There are plenty of short leases in West Wittering. The lease is a right to use the premises for a period of time. As the lease shortens the saleability of the lease decreases and it becomes more expensive to extend the lease. This is why it is generally wise to increase the term of the lease. More often than not it is difficulties arise selling premises with a short lease as mortgage lenders less inclined to grant a loan on such properties. Lease enfranchisement can be a protracted process. We advise that you get professional help from a solicitor and surveyor with experience in this area

I am employed by a busy estate agency in West Wittering where we see a number of flat sales put at risk as a result of leases having less than 80 years remaining. I have been given inconsistent advice from local West Wittering conveyancing solicitors. Can you clarify whether the owner of a flat can commence the lease extension process for the buyer?

As long as the seller has been the owner for at least 2 years it is possible, to serve a Section 42 notice to kick-start the lease extension process and assign the benefit of the notice to the purchaser. The benefit of this is that the proposed purchaser can avoid having to wait 2 years to extend their lease. Both sets of lawyers will agree to form of assignment. The assignment needs to be completed before, or at the same time as completion of the disposal of the property.

Alternatively, it may be possible 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 buyer.

Can you offer any advice when it comes to choosing a West Wittering conveyancing firm to carry out our lease extension conveyancing?

When appointing a property lawyer for your lease extension (regardless if they are a West Wittering conveyancing practice) it is imperative that he or she should be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of work. We advise that you talk with two or three firms including non West Wittering 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 helpful:

• How experienced is the practice with lease extension legislation?

Leasehold Conveyancing in West Wittering - Sample of Questions you should consider Prior to buying

Most West Wittering leasehold properties will incur a service charge for maintenance of the building levied on behalf of the landlord. Should you buy the property you will have to pay this liability, normally quarterly accross the year. This can vary from a few hundred pounds to thousands of pounds for blocks with lifts and large common grounds. In all probability there will be a ground rent for you to pay yearly, normally this is not a significant figure, say about £50-£100 but you need to check as sometimes it could be surprisingly expensive. Best to be warned whether changing the roof or some other significant cost is due in the foreseeable future that will be shared between the tenants and will dramatically increase the the service charges or necessitate a specific payment. For most West Wittering leaseholds the outlay for major works tend not to be built into the maintenance charges, albeit that there some managing agents in West Wittering require tenants to contribute towards a sinking fund and this is used to offset against larger repairs or maintenance.

Other Topics

Lease Extensions in West Wittering