Having had my offer accepted I require leasehold conveyancing in Westcliff On Sea. Before I get started I require certainty as to the remaining lease term.

If the lease is recorded at the land registry - and 99.9% are in Westcliff On Sea - 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 am hoping to exchange soon on a leasehold property in Westcliff On Sea. Conveyancing lawyers have said that they report fully within the next couple of days. What should I be looking out for?

Your report on title for your leasehold conveyancing in Westcliff On Sea should include some of the following:

• You should receive a copy of the lease

The unexpired lease term You should be advised as what happens when the lease expires, and aware of the importance of the 80 year mark

Will you be prohibited or prevented from having pets in the property?

Whether your lease has a provision for a sinking fund?

Repair and maintenance of the flat

The landlord’s rights to access the flat you be made aware that your landlord has rights of access and I know how much notice s/he must provide.

Whether the landlord has obligations to ensure rights of quiet enjoyment over your property and do you know what it means in practice? For details of the information to be contained in your report on your leasehold property in Westcliff On Sea please enquire of your solicitor in advance of your conveyancing in Westcliff On Sea

I today plan to offer on a house that appears to be perfect, at a great figure which is making it more attractive. I have just found out that it's a leasehold rather than freehold. I am assuming that there are issues purchasing a house with a leasehold title in Westcliff On Sea. Conveyancing advisers have are about to be appointed. Will they explain the issues?

Most houses in Westcliff On Sea are freehold and not leasehold. In this scenario it’s worth having a local solicitor who is familiar with the area can assist with the conveyancing process. We note that you are buying in Westcliff On Sea in which case you should be looking for a Westcliff On Sea 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 unexpired lease term. Being a lessee you will not be at liberty to do whatever you want to the property. The lease will likely included provisions for example requiring the landlord’spermission to carry out changes to the property. You may also be required to pay a service charge towards the upkeep of the estate where the house is part of an estate. Your conveyancer should report to you on the legal implications.

Can you offer any advice when it comes to appointing a Westcliff On Sea conveyancing practice to carry out our lease extension conveyancing?

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

• How experienced is the practice with lease extension legislation?

Can they put you in touch with client in Westcliff On Sea who can give a testimonial?

All being well we will complete our sale of a £300000 apartment in Westcliff On Sea in 10 days. The management company has quoted £348 for Landlord’s certificate, insurance certificate and previous years statements of service charge. Is it legal for a freeholder to charge exorbitant fees for a leasehold conveyance in Westcliff On Sea?

For most leasehold sales in Westcliff On Sea conveyancing will involve, queries regarding the management of a building inevitably needing to be answered directly by the freeholder or its agent, this includes :

• Completing pre-exchange questions
• Where consent is required before sale in Westcliff On Sea
• 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 lawyer will have no control over the level of the charges for this information but the average costs for the information for Westcliff On Sea leasehold property is £350. For Westcliff On Sea 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 required to supply the information.

Leasehold Conveyancing in Westcliff On Sea - Sample of Queries before buying

Please inform me if there are any major works on the horizon that could increase the service fees? In the main the outlay for major works are not built into the maintenance charges, albeit that there some managing agents in Westcliff On Sea require tenants to contribute towards a sinking fund and this is used to offset against larger repairs or maintenance. It would be prudent to find out as much as you can concerning the managing agents as they will either make your living at the property much simpler or problematic. As the owner of a leasehold property you will be at the mercy of the managing agents both financially and when it comes to practical issues such as the upkeep of the common parts. Don't be shy to ask prospective neighbours whether they are happy with their management. On a final note, investigate as to the dates that the maintenance charges are due to the relevant party and precisely how they are spending the funds.

Other Topics

Lease Extensions in Westcliff On Sea