Fixed-fee leasehold conveyancing in Whitland:

Get a Quote

Whether you are buying or selling leasehold flat in Whitland, our panel of leasehold conveyancing experts will help you move with as little stress as possible. Find a Whitland conveyancing lawyer with our search tool

Frequently asked questions relating to Whitland leasehold conveyancing

My fiance and I may need to rent out our Whitland ground floor flat for a while due to a career opportunity. We used a Whitland conveyancing firm in 2002 but they have closed and we did not have the foresight to get any guidance as to whether the lease permits subletting. How do we find out?

Some leases for properties in Whitland do contain a provision to say that subletting is only allowed with permission. The landlord cannot unreasonably refuse but, in such cases, they would need to review references. Experience suggests that problems are usually caused by unsatisfactory tenants rather than owner-occupiers and for that reason you can expect the freeholder to take up the references and consider them carefully before granting consent.

My wife and I purchased a leasehold house in Whitland. Conveyancing and Bank of Scotland mortgage organised. I have received a letter from someone saying they have taken over the reversionary interest in the property. It included a ground rent demand for rent dating back to 1993. The conveyancing practitioner in Whitland who acted for me is not around.Do I pay?

The first thing you should do is contact the Land Registry to make sure that this person is in fact the new freeholder. You do not need to incur the fees of a Whitland conveyancing firm to do this as it can be done on-line for £3. Rest assured that regardless, even if this is the legitimate freeholder, under the Limitation Act 1980 no more than 6 years of rent can be collected.

Can you provide any top tips for leasehold conveyancing in Whitland with the intention of saving time on the sale process?

  • Much of the frustration in leasehold conveyancing in Whitland can be avoided if you appoint lawyers the minute your agents start marketing the property and ask them to collate the leasehold information which will be required by the buyers lawyers.
  • Many freeholders or Management Companies in Whitland levy fees for providing management packs for a leasehold homes. You or your lawyers should discover the actual amount of the charges. The management information sought as soon as you have a buyer, thus accelerating the process. The typical amount of time it takes to receive management information is three weeks. It is the most common reason for frustration in leasehold conveyancing in Whitland.
  • In the event that you altered the property did you need the Landlord’s consent? Have you, for example installed wooden flooring? Whitland leases often stipulate that internal structural changes or laying down wooden flooring require a licence issued by the Landlord approving such alterations. If you fail to have the approvals in place you should not communicate with the landlord without checking with your lawyer in advance.
  • If you have the benefit of shareholding in the Management Company, you should make sure that you have the original share document. Arranging a duplicate share certificate is often a lengthy process and delays many a Whitland home move. Where a reissued share certificate is necessary, do contact the company director and secretary or managing agents (if relevant) for this at the earliest opportunity.
  • You may think that you are aware of the number of years left on your lease but you should verify this by asking your lawyers. A purchaser's conveyancer will be unlikely to recommend their client to to exchange contracts if the remaining number of years is below 80 years. In the circumstances it is essential at an early stage that you consider whether the lease for your property needs extending. If it does, contact your solicitors before you put your premises on the market for sale.

    • Completion in due on the disposal of our £250000 apartment in Whitland next Wednesday . The freeholder has quoted £384 for Landlord’s certificate, building insurance schedule and previous years statements of service charge. Is the landlord entitled to charge such fees for a leasehold conveyance in Whitland?

    Whitland conveyancing on leasehold maisonettes normally involves the purchaser’s conveyancer sending questions for the landlord to address. Although the landlord is not legally bound to address these enquiries the majority will be willing to assist. They are at liberty levy a reasonable administration fee for responding to questions or supplying documentation. There is no set fee. The average costs for the information that you are referring to is over three hundred pounds, in some situations it is above £800. The administration charge demanded by the landlord must be sent together with a synopsis of entitlements and obligations in relation to administration fees, otherwise the charge is not strictly payable. In reality you have no choice but to pay whatever is demanded should you wish to complete the sale of your home.

    Are there frequently found problems that you witness in leases for Whitland properties?

    Leasehold conveyancing in Whitland is not unique. Most leases are unique and drafting errors can result in certain provisions are missing. For example, if your lease is missing any of the following, it could be defective:

    • Repairing obligations to or maintain elements of the property
    • A duty to insure the building
    • A provision for the recovery of money spent for the benefit of another party.
    • Service charge per centages that don't add up correctly leaving a shortfall

    You may have a problem when selling your property if you have a defective lease as they can affect a potential buyer’s ability to obtain a mortgage. HSBC Bank, Bank of Scotland, and Alliance & Leicester all have very detailed requirements when it comes to what is expected in a lease. If a mortgage lender believes that the lease does not cover certain provisions they may refuse to provide security, forcing the purchaser to withdraw.

    I own a split level flat in Whitland, conveyancing was carried out 2003. Can you work out an approximate cost of a lease extension? Corresponding flats in Whitland with a long lease are worth £269,000. The average or mid-range amount of ground rent is £65 invoiced annually. The lease finishes on 21st October 2094

    With only 69 years remaining on your lease we estimate the price of your lease extension to range between £15,200 and £17,600 plus professional fees.

    The suggested premium range that we have given is a general guide to costs for extending a lease, but we are not able to advice on a more accurate figure in the absence of detailed due diligence. Do not use this information in a Notice of Claim or as an informal offer. There are no doubt other concerns that need to be considered and you obviously should be as accurate as possible in your negotiations. You should not move forward based on this information without first getting professional advice.

    Other Topics

    Lease Extensions in Whitland