My fiancee and I are acquiring our first home. Our conveyancer has texted usto see if we want to order additional conveyancing searches. Frankly we in the dark as to what's necessary for conveyancing in Ashbourne

The extent of Ashbourne conveyancing searches should be dictated primarily on the premises, the location, the probability of any of these risks, your knowledge of the locality and risks, your overall attitude to risk. What is important is that you adequately understand what information the searches could supply. Then you can decide if you consider that you need that search. If uncertain, ask your solicitor to explain.

I used Action Conveyancing several years ago for my conveyancing in Ashbourne. I now require my papers however cannot find the solicitor. What do I do?

You should call the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) to assist in tracking down your conveyancing files. They can be contacted on please contact on 0870 606 2555. Alternatively, you should use their online form to make an enquiry. You will need to provide the SRA with as much information as possible to assist their search, including the name and address in Ashbourne of the conveyancing firm of solicitors you previously retained, the name of conveyancing solicitor with whom you had dealings, and the date on which you last had dealings with the firm.

I have been advised by numerous selling agents in Ashbourne to choose a property lawyer using your seach tool. Is there a financial advantage for Estate Agents to offer your services rather than a competitor’s?

We don’t offer any commission for directing people our way. We found it would be just too difficult to pay a commission because home movers will think, ‘Why is the agent getting a kickback? Why am I not getting any benefit too?’ We would prefer to grow our business on genuine recommendations.

My husband and I are 17 days into a freehold purchase having been directed to a firm by the high street agent to handle our conveyancing in Ashbourne. I am am starting to be dissatisfied with the level of service. Can you you assist me in finding new lawyers?

A lawyer would have to be very poor in order to consider diss instructing them. Has the loan offer been sent? If so you need to inform them of the replacement lawyer and ensure the loan are re-issued. Your conveyancer needs to be on the mortgage company approved list to avoid supplemental expenses and frustration. That should be your first question of the new solicitors. Our find a solicitor tool will help you find a lender approved conveyancer for your conveyancing in Ashbourne

I today plan to offer on a house that appears to be perfect, at a great figure which is making it more attractive. I have just discovered that the title is leasehold as opposed to freehold. I am assuming that there are particular concerns buying a leasehold house in Ashbourne. Conveyancing lawyers have not yet been appointed. Will they explain the issues?

Most houses in Ashbourne are freehold and not leasehold. This is one of the situations where having a local conveyancer who is familiar with the area who can assist with the conveyancing process. it is apparent that you are purchasing in Ashbourne in which case you should be looking for a Ashbourne 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. As a lessee you will not be at liberty to do whatever you want with the house. The lease comes with conditions such as obtaining the freeholder’sconsent to carry out changes to the property. You may also be required to pay a contribution towards the upkeep of the estate where the house is located on an estate. Your lawyer will report to you on the legal implications.

I acquired a 1st floor flat in Ashbourne, conveyancing formalities finalised 6 years ago. Can you let me have an estimated range of the fair premium for a lease extension? Comparable flats in Ashbourne with an extended lease are worth £185,000. The average or mid-range amount of ground rent is £65 levied per year. The lease runs out on 21st October 2085

With only 60 years left to run we estimate the premium for your lease extension to range between £20,000 and £23,000 as well as professional fees.

The figure that we have given is a general guide to costs for renewing a lease, but we cannot give you a more accurate figure without more comprehensive investigations. Do not use the figures in tribunal or court proceedings. There are no doubt other concerns that need to be taken into account and clearly you want to be as accurate as possible in your negotiations. You should not move forward placing reliance on this information before getting professional advice.