Just contacted my conveyancing lawyer in Box who conducted the legals 18 months ago asking for a conveyancing estimate based on an identical type of house sale & purchase (a leasehold residence and a freehold premises) of almost identical values with a mortgage from Nationwide Building Society. It looks as though am now being quoted twice the amount. Better the devil I know or do I try and find a cheaper online property lawyer?

The costs illustration is fractionally on the high side. If you you were to look around you may be able to reduce the fees marginally by perhaps a hundred pounds. That being said, assuming were happy with the service the firm gave you mightcome to rue opting for an an untested solicitor. Don't forget to be sure the firm can act for Nationwide Building Society. You can make use of our search tool to locate a Box conveyancing firm on the Nationwide Building Society approved list of lawyers, which can often include conveyancing solicitors in Box.

I had a mortgage agreed in principle with TSB. Box conveyancing practitioners were instructed. How long does it take for TSB to issue the offer to the lawyer?

There is no definitive answer here. Have TSB done the valuation? Have you advised TSB as to your lawyers' details and checked that your lawyers are on the TSB conveyancing panel? It is not unusual for a mortgage offer to take a month to come through.

Leeds Building Society have agreed my home loan in principle, my offer on a house in Box has been agreed to, now what?

The estate agent will wish to know who your solicitors are (be sure the solicitors are on the bank’s approved list). Telephone Leeds Building Society or your financial adviser and finalise any outstanding forms. Leeds Building Society will instruct a valuer who will get in touch with the estate agent or owners to arrange a slot for the valuation to occur. Once conducted (assuming no problems) it takes on average ten days for the mortgage offer to be issued. Leeds Building Society will send the offer to you and your property lawyers. The transaction will then take it’s course according the nature and complexity of the conveyancing in Box.

Our offer on a property in Box has been agreed to, but there is a chain. The vendors have offered on a flat, however it’s not been accepted yet, and are looking at other apartments booked. I have instructed a high street conveyancing solicitor in Box. What should be my next step? When do I get the mortgage application with Co-operative going?

It is normal to have concerns where there is a chain as you are unlikely to want to be too out of pocket too early (mortgage application is approx £1k, then survey, Box conveyancing search fees, etc). The first course of action is to check that your lawyer is on the Co-operative approved list. Regarding the subsequent steps this very much dictated by the uniqueness of your transaction, desire for this property and on the state of the market. During a rising market many purchasers will apply for a home loan with Co-operative and arrange for the valuation and only if it was satisfactory would they ask their lawyer to move forward with searches.

I have justfound out that Stirling Law have closed. They carried out my conveyancing in Box for a purchase of a leasehold apartment 12 months ago. How can I check that my home is in my name in the name of the previous owner?

The easiest method to see if the property is registered to you, you can carry out a search of the land registry (£3.00). You can either do this yourself or ask a law firm to do this for you. If you are not registered you can seek help from one of a number of Box conveyancing specialists.

In what way does the Landlord & Tenant Act 1954 impact my business premises in Box and how can your lawyers assist?

The 1954 Act gives security of tenure to business tenants, giving them the right to apply to court for a continuation of occupancy when the lease comes to an end. There are certain specified grounds that a landlord can refuse a lease renewal and the rules are complex. Fees are different for commercial conveyancing. Box is one of the numerous locations in which our lawyers are located

I've recently bought a leasehold property in Box. 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. However, your landlord may still be able to take action to forfeit the lease. A critical element 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).

Box Leasehold Conveyancing - Sample of Questions you should consider before buying

What is the name of the managing agents? Is anyone aware of any major works anticipated that will likely add a premium to the maintenance costs? How is the lease structured?