Widnes leasehold conveyancing: Q and A’s
Expecting to sign contracts shortly on a leasehold property in Widnes. Conveyancing lawyers inform me that they are sending me a report tomorrow. Are there areas in the report that I should be focusing on?
The report on title for your leasehold conveyancing in Widnes should include some of the following:
- You should receive a copy of the lease
I today plan to offer on a house that appears to be perfect, at a great price which is making it more attractive. I have just discovered that it's a leasehold as opposed to freehold. I would have thought that there are issues purchasing a leasehold house in Widnes. Conveyancing advisers have not yet been instructed. Will they explain the issues?
The majority of houses in Widnes are freehold rather than leasehold. This is one of the situations where having a local conveyancer who is familiar with the area can help the conveyancing process. It is clear that you are buying in Widnes in which case you should be looking for a Widnes conveyancing practitioner and check that they are used to advising on leasehold houses. As a matter of priority you will need to check the unexpired lease term. As a lessee you will not be at liberty to do whatever you want with the house. The lease will likely included provisions such as requiring the freeholder’sconsent to carry out changes to the property. It may be necessary to pay a service charge towards the maintenance of the communal areas where the house is located on an estate. Your conveyancer should advise you fully on all the issues.
I own a leasehold flat in Widnes. Conveyancing and Bank of Ireland mortgage are in place. A letter has just been received from someone claiming to own the reversionary interest in the property. It included a ground rent demand for rent dating back to 1993. The conveyancing solicitor in Widnes who previously acted has long since retired.Any advice?
First make enquiries of the Land Registry to make sure that this person is in fact the registered owner of the freehold reversion. There is no need to instruct a Widnes conveyancing solicitor to do this as it can be done on-line for £3. Rest assured that regardless, even if this is the rightful freeholder, under the Limitation Act 1980 the limitation period for recovery of ground rent is six years.
What advice can you give us when it comes to choosing a Widnes conveyancing practice to carry out our lease extension conveyancing?
When appointing a property lawyer for lease extension works (regardless if they are a Widnes conveyancing firm) it is most important that he or she should be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of conveyancing. We suggested that you talk with two or three firms including non Widnes conveyancing practices before you instructing a firm. Where the conveyancing practice is ALEP accredited then that’s a bonus. Some following of questions could be of use:
- How many lease extensions has the firm carried out in Widnes in the last 12 months?
Can you provide any top tips for leasehold conveyancing in Widnes with the aim of saving time on the sale process?
- A significant proportion of the delay in leasehold conveyancing in Widnes can be bypassed if you appoint lawyers as soon as your agents start marketing the property and ask them to put together the leasehold documentation needed by the purchasers’ representatives.
- In the event that you altered the property did you need the Landlord’s consent? Have you, for example laid down wooden flooring? Widnes leases often stipulate that internal structural alterations or installing wooden flooring calls for a licence from the Landlord consenting to such works. If you dont have the paperwork in place do not communicate with the landlord without checking with your lawyer in the first instance.
Leasehold Conveyancing in Widnes - A selection of Queries Prior to buying
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The prefered form of lease arrangement is where the freehold interest is in the ownership of the leaseholders. In this arrangement the tenants enjoy control and notwithstanding that a managing agent is usually retained if it is larger than a house conversion, the managing agent acts for the leaseholders themselves.
Are any of leasehold owners in arrears of their service charge liability?
The answer will be important as a) areas could result in problems for the building as the common areas may begin to deteriorate if repairs are not paid for b) if the leaseholders have a dispute with the managing agents you will need to know about it
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