I am about to put an offer on a leasehold apartment in Bow. The estate agents say that it is the norm for flats in Bow to have less than 75 years remaining. I am taking out a mortgage with Tesco Bank. Is this going to be a problem if the lease has 72 years left.
Most leasehold conveyancing experts should be able to deal with a lease extension. if you are securing a mortgage then your lender may insist that the lease be extended before competition. Tesco Bank have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook in relation to minimum unexpired lease terms. As of 9/12/2025 the requirements read as follows :
Just acquired a terraced house in Bow , how long will it take for the Land Registry to record my ownership? My Bow conveyancing solicitor works at snail pace, so I want to be sure the post completion formalities are addressed.
As far as conveyancing in Bow registration is no quicker or slower than anywhere else in England and Wales. As opposed to being determined by geographic area, timescales can adjust subject to the party submitting the application, whether there are errors and if the Land registry need to notify any interested parties. As of today approximately 80% of submission are completed in less than three weeks but occasionally there can be extensive delays. Registration takes place after the buyer has moved in to the property thus post completion formalities is not always top priority yet if there is a degree of urgency associated with the registration then you or your lawyers must communicate with the Registry to express the reasoning for the application to be prioritised.
How does conveyancing in Bow differ for newly converted properties?
Most buyers of new build or newly converted property in Bow approach us having been asked by the seller to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the property is constructed. This is because builders in Bow tend to 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 conveyancers 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 Bow or who has acted in the same development.
Yesterday I discovered that there is a flying freehold issue on a property I put an offer in two weeks back in what was supposed to be a quick, no chain conveyancing. Bow is where the house is located. Can you shed any light on this issue?
Flying freeholds in Bow are rare but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even where you use a solicitor outside Bow you would need to get your solicitor to go through the deeds diligently. Your lender may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Bow may ascertain 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 residence.
Am I best advised to choose a Bow conveyancing lawyer based in the area that I am purchasing? An old friend can carry out the conveyancing however his firm is located 200kilometers away.
The benefit of a local Bow conveyancing practice is that you can attend the office to sign documents, hand in your identification documents and apply pressure on them where appropriate. Having local Bow know how is a plus. However it's more important to get someone that will do a good and efficient job. If if people you trust used your friend and the majority were happy that must outweigh using an unfamiliar Bow conveyancing lawyer solely due to them being local.
We are looking to purchase a repression flat in Bow and the mortgagee in possession would like to complete inside a month. Do property lawyers complete in this timeframe? Would it be better to select a local Bow firm or an online firm that professes to offer speedy conveyancing?
Attend your Bow shopping parade. Pop in to 3 companies and ask to talk to a conveyancing solicitor for a quote. Explain your situation and seek assurances on speed. Choose the firm that comes across as most genuine. Make sure to use a conveyancing practitioner on the list of property lawyers who can act for your lender.