I have given 2 months notice to my current landlord and must leave my let out apartment in Isle of Dogs by 26/11/2025. Conveyancing for my house purchase has just started. Can I complete in 5 weeks as don't want to have to find short term accommodation?
It is unwise to provide notice on a rental unless you have exchanged. Assuming that you have not previously done so, update to your lawyer and request that they seek the assistance the owners side, try to an acceptable time-line that everyone will look towards
What is the first thing I need to know concerning purchase conveyancing in Isle of Dogs?
Not many law firms shout this from the rooftops but conveyancing in Isle of Dogs or throughout London is an adversarial process. In other words, when it comes to conveyancing there exists an abundance of room for conflict between you and others involved in the ownership transfer. E.g., the vendor, estate agent and even potentially your mortgage company. Selecting a law firm for your conveyancing in Isle of Dogs is a critical decision as your conveyancer is your adviser, and is the ONE party in the legal process whose responsibility is to look after your best interests and to keep you safe.
On occasion a third party with a vested interest may attempt to sway you that it is in your interests to do things their way. As an example, the property agent may claim to be assisting by suggesting your solicitor is slow. Or your mortgage broker may advise you to do something that is against your solicitors recommendation. You should always trust your lawyer above all other parties when it comes to the legal transfer of property.
Various online forums that I have come across warn that are the main cause of stalling in Isle of Dogs conveyancing transactions. Is there any truth in this?
The Council of Property Search Organisations (CoPSO) released conclusions of a review by MoveWithUs that conveyancing searches do not figure within the most frequent causes of hindrances during the legal transfer of property. Searches are unlikely to be the root cause of delay in conveyancing in Isle of Dogs.
Are there restrictive covenants that are commonly picked up as part of conveyancing in Isle of Dogs?
Covenants that are restrictive in nature can be picked up when reviewing land registry title as part of the legal transfer of property in Isle of Dogs. An 1874 stipulation that was seen was ‘The houses to be erected on the estate are each to be of a uniform elevation in accordance with the drawings to be prepared or approved by the vendor’s surveyor…’
How does conveyancing in Isle of Dogs differ for newly converted properties?
Most buyers of new build property in Isle of Dogs come to us having been asked by the housebuilder to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the premises is completed. This is because developers in Isle of Dogs typically buy 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 used to new build conveyancing in Isle of Dogs or who has acted in the same development.
Last May I purchased a leasehold property in Isle of Dogs. Am I liable to pay service charges relating to a period prior to my ownership?
Where the service charge has already been demanded from the previous owner and they have not paid you would not usually be personally liable for the arrears. However, your landlord may still be able to take action to forfeit the lease. A critical element 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).
I have tried to negotiate informally with with my landlord for a lease extension without success. Can a leaseholder apply to the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal? Can you recommend a Isle of Dogs conveyancing firm to represent me?
You certainly can. We can put you in touch with a Isle of Dogs conveyancing firm who can help.
An example of a Freehold Enfranchisement matter before the tribunal for a Isle of Dogs flat is 12, 14 & 16 Hull Close in May 2010. the Tribunal determined that the premium payable for the acquisition of the freehold to the subject premises was the sum of £18,300 This case affected 3 flats. The unexpired term was 101.61 years.