All was ready to complete my purchase in Belford next Tuesday. I have now been asked to send a copy of my building insurance schedule by my solicitor as as she informs me that she is duty bound to validate that it is in order for the lender. What risks does the lender expect the insurance to cover?

Any lawyer on acting for mortgage companies would need to check that the following risks are covered fire; lightning; aircraft; explosion; earthquake; storm; flood; escape of water or oil; riot; malicious damage; theft or attempted theft; falling trees and branches and aerials; subsidence; heave;landslip;collision;accidental damage to underground services;professional fees, demolition and site clearance costs; and public liability to anyone else. There are some other issues such as the level of excess that are set out in a lender’s UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook requirements. These obligations are not unique to conveyancing in Belford.

We are looking to buy a flat and require a conveyancing solicitor in Belford who is on the Leeds Building Society solicitor panel. Can you recommend a local 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 Leeds Building Society . We don't recommend any particular firms conducting conveyancing in Belford.

I decided to have a survey carried out on a house in Belford before retaining lawyers. I have been told that there is a flying freehold aspect to the house. The surveyor has said that some banks tend not issue a mortgage on such a house.

It depends who your proposed lender is. Bank of Scotland has different instructions from Nationwide. Should you wish to telephone us we can check with the relevant mortgage company. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can help as they are used to dealing with flying freeholds in Belford. Conveyancing may be slightly more expensive based on your lender's requirements.

My step-father has encouraged me to use his conveyancers in Belford. Should I use them?

There are no two ways about it it’s preferable to select a conveyancing solicitor is to seek guidance from friends or family who have actually experience in using the firm that you are considering.

I've recently bought a leasehold house in Belford. Do I have any liability for service charges for periods before my ownership?

In a situation 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. Strange as it may seem, your landlord may still be able to take action to forfeit the lease. It is an essential part 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).

Leasehold Conveyancing in Belford - Examples of Queries before Purchasing

How is the lease structured? Who manages the building? How long is the Lease?