I am need of leasehold conveyancing for an apartment in a relatively new development (6 years built) in Hartlebury. The vast majority the properties are already sold. Do I need carry out the neighbourhood searches as part of conveyancing in Hartlebury?
You are taking a significant risk in not carrying out Hartlebury conveyancing searches. Without searches you have no clarity over flooding, environmental etc which may mean you walk away due to potential problems down the line. If you are buying mortgage free there is no legal necessity to have them, but we would strongly advise in no uncertain terms that your solicitor conducts them. If time pressures and price are primary concerns you should discuss with your lawyer about the options such as indemnity insurance available to you
I am selling our property in Hartlebury and according to the buyers it appears that there is a possibility that the property was built on contaminated land. A high street Hartlebury lawyer would know that there is no such problem. It does beg the question why the purchasers instructed a nationwide conveyancing practice rather than a conveyancing solicitor in Hartlebury. We have lived in Hartlebury for 5 years we know that this is a non issue. Is it a good idea to contact our local Authority to seek confirmation need.
It would appear that you have a conveyancing firm already. What do they say? You must check with your lawyer before you do anything. It is very possible that once the local authority has been informed of a potential issue it cannot be insured against (a bit like being diagnosed with a serious illness and then taking out health insurance to cover that same illness)
I have been on the look out for a flat up to £245,000 and identified one close by in Hartlebury I like with amenity areas and transport links in the vicinity, the downside is that it only has 49 years on the lease. I can't really find anything else in Hartlebury for this price, so just wondered if I would be making a mistake purchasing a lease with such few years left?
Should you require a home loan the remaining unexpired lease term will be a potential deal breaker. Reduce the offer by the anticipated lease extension will cost if it has not already been discounted. If the existing owner has owned the property for at least 2 years you could request that they commence the lease extension formalities and then assign it to you. You can add 90 years to the existing lease with a zero ground rent applied. You should speak to your conveyancing lawyer regarding this.
I have been advised by numerous estate agents in Hartlebury to locate a conveyancer on your site. What’s the financial inducement for Estate Agents to promote your services ahead of another?
We don’t make any referral fee for directing people in our direction. We thought it would be too underhand a fee as members of the public would think, ‘Why is the agent getting a kickback? Why am I not receiving any benefit too?’ We would prefer to grow our business on genuine recommendations.
My brother has urged me to appoint his lawyers for conveyancing in Hartlebury. Should I use them?
There are no two ways about it the ideal way to select a conveyancing practitioner is to get feedback from friends or relatives who have experience in using the conveyancer you're are thinking of instructing.
I am hoping to put an offer on a small detached house that appears to tick a lot of boxes, 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 particular concerns buying a house with a leasehold title in Hartlebury. Conveyancing lawyers have are soon to be appointed. Will they explain the issues?
The majority of houses in Hartlebury are freehold rather than leasehold. In this scenario it’s worth having a local solicitor used to dealing with such properties who can help the conveyancing process. We note that you are buying in Hartlebury in which case you should be shopping around for a Hartlebury conveyancing solicitor and check that they have experience in advising on leasehold houses. As a matter of priority you will need to check the number of years remaining. Being a leaseholder you will not be entirely free to do whatever you want with the house. The lease comes with conditions for example obtaining the landlord’spermission to carry out changes to the property. It may be necessary to pay a maintenance charge towards the maintenance of the estate where the property is part of an estate. Your conveyancer should advise you fully on all the issues.