I am need of leasehold conveyancing for an apartment in a relatively new development (seven years built) in Lee. Almost all the flats are already occupied. Do I need carry out the neighbourhood searches as part of conveyancing in Lee?
You would be opening yourself up to an unnecessary risk in refusing to carrying out Lee 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 without a mortgage there is no legal requirement to have them, but we would absolutely advise in the strongest possible terms that your solicitor conducts them. Where timings and driving down costs are primary issues you should consider with your lawyer about the viability of search insurance
Completed the sale of my flat in Lee last March but my buyer keeps SMS messaging me to say his lawyer is waiting to hear from mine. What are the post completion sale legalities following completion?
Following your sale your conveyancer should deliver the transfer documentation and all supplemental paperwork to the purchaser's conveyancer. Depending on the transaction, your conveyancer must also confirm that the home loan has been paid off to the purchasers lawyers. There is unlikely to be post completion formalities peculiar conveyancing in Lee.
I have been referred to a conveyancing solicitor in Lee. I I would like to check if they are accepted on the TSB conveyancing panel. Can you advise?
You should contact your lawyer and enquire if they can act for the lender. Otherwise you can call TSB who may be able to help.
Yesterday I discovered that there is a flying freehold issue on a house I put an offer in last month in what was supposed to be a simple, no chain conveyancing. Lee is where the house is located. Can you offer any guidance?
Flying freeholds in Lee are rare but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even where you use a solicitor outside Lee you must be sure that your lawyer goes through the deeds very carefully. Your mortgage company may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Lee 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 residence.
My wife and I purchased a leasehold flat in Lee. Conveyancing and Platform Home Loans Ltd mortgage are in place. A letter has just been received from someone claiming to own the reversionary interest in the property. It included a demand for arrears of ground rent dating back to 1998. The conveyancing solicitor in Lee who acted for me is not around. Any advice?
First make enquiries of HMLR to be sure that this person is in fact the new freeholder. You do not need to instruct a Lee conveyancing lawyer to do this as you can do this on the Land Registry website for less than a fiver. You should note that regardless, even if this is the rightful landlord, under the Limitation Act 1980 the limitation period for recovery of ground rent is six years.
I have attempted and failed to negotiate with my landlord to extend my lease without getting anywhere. Can a leaseholder make an application to the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal? Can you recommend a Lee conveyancing firm to represent me?
You certainly can. We are happy to put you in touch with a Lee conveyancing firm who can help.
An example of a Freehold Enfranchisement case for a Lee premises is 18 Handen Road in April 2013. On 26 October 2012 District Judge Zimmels sitting at the Lambeth County Court made a Vesting Order that the Applicants be granted the right to acquire the freehold upon such terms and at such price determined by the LVT. The Tribunal arrived a figure of £39,535 as a valuation for the enfranchisement. This case affected 3 flats. The unexpired term was 69.05 years.
I dont have enough spare cash to pay a 10% deposit on my house purchase in Lee , but I still want to go ahead. Do I have options?
One option is to try and agree a smaller deposit. Most vendors will agree to a smaller deposit or even no deposit for a first time buyer or 100% mortgage. Be aware though that if you fail to complete you will still need to hand over a minimum of 10% of the purchase price regardless of how much deposit was agreed.
You can also agree a simultaneous exchange and completion as no deposit is required for this however neither party will be tied in until completion actually takes place and it can be risky if sellers change their mind at the last second