I have been recommended a conveyancing solicitor in Alston. I I am struggling to find out if they are on the Barclays conveyancing panel. Could you advise?
The first thing to do is phone your conveyancer and enquire if they can act for the lender. Alternatively please get in touch with Barclays who may be able to help.
How does conveyancing in Alston differ for new build properties?
Most buyers of new build premises in Alston approach us having been asked by the seller to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the premises is completed. This is because builders in Alston typically purchase the real estate, plan the estate and want to get the plots sold off as they are building the properties. Buyers, therefore, will have to exchange contracts without actually seeing the house they are buying. To reduce the chances of losing the property, buyers should instruct conveyancing solicitors as soon as the property is reserved and mortgage applications should be submitted quickly. Due to the fact that it could be several months and even years between exchange of contracts and completion, the mortgage offer may need to be extended. It would be wise to use a lawyer who specialises in new build conveyancing especially if they are accustomed to new build conveyancing in Alston or who has acted in the same development.
Yesterday I discovered that there is a flying freehold element on a house I put an offer in two weeks back in what should have been a straight forward, no chain conveyancing. Alston is the location of the property. What do you suggest?
Flying freeholds in Alston are unusual but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even though you don't necessarily need a conveyancing solicitor in Alston you must be sure that your lawyer goes through the deeds diligently. Your mortgage company may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Alston may determine that this is not enough and that the deeds be re-written to give you the most up to date legal protection. If so, the next door neighbour also had to sign up to the revised deeds.It is possible that your lender will not accept the situation so the sooner you find out the better. You should also check with your insurance broker as to whether they will insure a flying freehold premises.
In what way does the Landlord & Tenant Act 1954 affect my commercial premises in Alston and how can your lawyers assist?
The particular law that you refer to gives a safeguard to business lessees, giving them the legal entitlement to make a request to court for a continuation of occupancy when the lease comes to an end. There are certain specified grounds that a landlord can refrain from granting a lease renewal and the rules are involved. We are happy to direct you to commercial conveyancing practices who use the act for protection and assist with commercial conveyancing in Alston
My step-father has suggested that I appoint his lawyers for conveyancing in Alston. Do I take his advice?
There are no two ways about it it’s preferable to choose a conveyancing practitioner is to have feedback from friends or family who have actually used the firm that you are contemplating using.
Last March I purchased a leasehold house in Alston. Am I liable to pay service charges for periods before completion of my purchase?
In a situation where the service charge has already been demanded from the previous lessee and they have not paid you would not usually be personally liable for the arrears. Strange as it may seem, your landlord may still be able to take action to forfeit the lease. It is an essential part of leasehold conveyancing for your conveyancer to ensure to have an up to date clear service charge receipt before completion of your purchase. If you have a mortgage this is likely to be a requirement of your lender.
If you purchase part way through an accounting year you may be liable for charges not yet demanded even if they relate to a period prior to your purchase. In such circumstances your conveyancer would normally arrange for the seller to set aside some money to cover their part of the period (usually called a service charge retention).
Leasehold Conveyancing in Alston - Sample of Questions you should ask Prior to buying
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In the main the cost for major works are not built into the service charges, albeit that a few managing agents in Alston ask leaseholders to contribute towards a sinking fund and this is used to offset against larger works. How many of the leaseholders are in arrears for their maintenance charge payments? Its a good idea to find out as much as possible regarding the managing agents as they will affect your use and enjoyment of the property. As the proprietor of a leasehold property you are often at the mercy of the managing agents from a financial perspective and when it comes to day to day issues such as the tidiness of the communal areas. Don't be afraid to ask prospective neighbours whether they are happy with their service. On a final note, be sure you know the dates that you are obliged pay the maintenance charge to the appropriate party and specifically how they are spending that money.