I selected a local solicitor for our conveyancing in Alresford today. After carefully reading the terms of engagement it is apparent thatwe are on the hook for fees even where the conveyance does not complete. Should I ditch them and choose a web based firm offering no completion no cost conveyancing in Alresford?

It is usually ‘give and take’ in that if "No Completion No Fee" is available then the conveyancing charges will tend to be be more expensive to cover those transactions that do not proceed. Dont forget that these promotions generally do not protect you from expenses e.g. Alresford conveyancing search costs.

We are planning to acquire a house and need a conveyancing solicitor in Alresford who is on the Kent Reliance solicitor panel. Could you point me in the right direction as regards a conveyancing firm?

Our service is limited to being a directory service for firms who wish to be listed as being on the approved conveyancing panel for Kent Reliance . We don't recommend any particular firms conducting conveyancing in Alresford.

Have just purchased a probate house at auction in Alresford. Conveyancing is necessary. What are my next steps?

Now that you are exchanged you must find a conveyancing lawyer as a matter of priority as you will have a fast approaching a drop dead date to complete the transaction. An auction property will ordinarily have a corresponding auction pack. This will likely include evidence of title and search results. Where you are dealing with leasehold premises the legal pack may contain a copy of the lease, management information and a sellers leasehold information form and other conveyancing paperwork specific to leasehold premises. You need to hand this to the solicitor working for you at the earliest opportunity. You also need to ensure that you have funds organised to complete the transaction on the set completion date.

Last month we had a mortgage agreed in principle with Leeds Building Society. Alresford conveyancing solicitors were selected. What is the average time that one could expect to receive a mortgage offer from Leeds Building Society?

Some lenders take longer than others. Have Leeds Building Society done the valuation? Have you advised Leeds Building Society as to your lawyers' details and checked that your lawyers are on the Leeds Building Society conveyancing panel? Sometimes it can take as long as six weeks for a mortgage offer to be issued.

It is not clear whether my mortgage offer obliges me to make sure the lease term for the flat is extended prior to the completion date. I have called into my local Alresford building society branch on numerous occasions and was advised it wasn't a problem and they will lend. My Alresford conveyancing solicitor - who is on the mortgage company conveyancing panel- called and was told they would not lend in accordance with their UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook minimum lease term requirements. I have no idea who is right.

Provided that the lawyer is on the lender panel, she or he must comply with the CML Handbook conditions for the bank. Unless your lawyer obtains specific confirmation in writing that the mortgage company will go ahead, your lawyer has no choice but to refrain from exchanging contract and committing you to the purchase. We would suggest that you ask the bank to contact your lawyer in writing confirming that they will accept the number of years remaining.

My cousin has suggested that I appoint his conveyancing solicitors in Alresford. Should I find my own conveyancer?

No doubt the best way to choose a conveyancing solicitor is to get guidance from friends or family who have previously instructed the firm you're contemplating using.

I've recently bought a leasehold flat in Alresford. Do I have any liability for service charges relating to a period prior to completion of my purchase?

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. However, your landlord may still be able to take action to forfeit the lease. A critical element of leasehold conveyancing for your conveyancer to be sure 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).

Alresford Leasehold Conveyancing - A selection of Queries Prior to buying

Where a Alresford lease has no more than 80 years it will impact the value of the property. Check with your mortgage company that they are willing to to proceed given the lease term. Leases with less than 80 years remaining means that you will almost definitely have to extend the lease at some point and you need to have some idea of what this would cost. For most Alresfordlease extensions you will be required to have been the owner of the residence for a couple of years before you are eligible to extend the lease. In the main the outlay for major works tend not to be included within service charges, albeit that a few managing agents in Alresford ask tenants to pay into a reserve fund created for the specific purpose of establishing a fund for major repairs or maintenance. The answer will be important as a) areas may cause problems for the block as the common areas may start to deteriorate if services are not paid for b) if the leaseholders have an issue with the running of the building you will want to know about it