My wife and I have a renovated Edwardian property in Archway. Conveyancing solicitor acted for me and Alliance & Leicester . I happened to do a free search for it on the Land Registry database and there are two entries: one for freehold, another for leasehold under the exact same address. I thought I was buying a freehold how can I check?

You need to assess the Freehold register you have again and check the Charges Register as there may be mention of a lease. The best way to be sure that you are also the registered owner of the leasehold and freehold title as well is to check (£3). It is not completely unheard of in Archway and other locations in the country and poses no real issues for owners other than when they mortgage they have to account for both freehold and leasehold interests when dealing with lenders. You can also check the position with the conveyancing practitioner who conducted the purchase.

I'm purchasing a new build house in Archway with the aid of help to buy. The sellers would not move on the amount so I negotiated 6k of additionals instead. The sale representative advised me not to tell my lawyer about this extras as it would adversely affect my mortgage with Halifax. Is this normal?.

All lenders require a Disclosure of Incentives Form from the developer of any new build, converted or renovated property, It is available online from the Lenders’ Handbook page on the CML website. CML form is completed and handed to the lender's surveyor when the inspection is done.

Lenders have different policies on incentives. Some accept none at all, cash or physical, while others will accept cash incentives up to 5%.

Hard to understand why the representative of a builder would be suggesting you withold information from a solicitor when all this will be clearly visible on forms the builder has to supply to its solicitor, the buyer's solicitor and the surveyor.

My brother has recommend that I use his lawyers for conveyancing in Archway. Should I choose my own property lawyer?

There are no two ways about it the best way to find a conveyancing lawyer is to have recommendations from friends or relatives who have actually experience in using the solicitor you're contemplating using.

What are your top tips when it comes to appointing a Archway conveyancing firm to carry out our lease extension conveyancing?

If you are instructing a property lawyer for lease extension works (regardless if they are a Archway conveyancing firm) it is most important that they be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of work. We advise that you talk with several firms including non Archway conveyancing practices prior to instructing a firm. Where the conveyancing practice is ALEP accredited then so much the better. The following questions could be helpful:

What are the legal fees for lease extension conveyancing? Can they put you in touch with clients in Archway who can give a testimonial?

Having spent months of dialogue we are unable to agree with our landlord on how much the lease extension should cost for our flat in Archway. Does the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal have jurisdiction to calculate the appropriate figures?

Absolutely. We are happy to put you in touch with a Archway conveyancing firm who can help.

An example of a Lease Extension matter before the tribunal for a Archway property is Flat 2A 19 Shepherds Hill in June 2014. The tribunal concluded in accordance with section 48 and schedule 13 of the Leasehold Reform,Housing and Urban Development Act (the 1993 Act) that the premium payable in respect of the grant of a new lease for the Flat be £24,303 (twenty four thousand three hundred and three pounds) This case related to 1 flat. The number of years remaining on the existing lease(s) was 67.85 years.

Do I need to pop into the offices of the lender conveyancing panel solicitor to execute the mortgage deed? If so, I will choose one who does conveyancing in Archway as it will be easier to attend their offices if necessary.

Most conveyancing panel lawyers for the mortgage company undertake all of the work via the post, internet or over the phone. This means that they can undertake your Conveyancing Transaction no matter where you live in England or Wales. YOu dont have to use a conveyancing solicitor in Archway. it would nevertheless be wise to check if you can still book an appointment to go into appointed conveyancing lawyer if you prefer.