My family solicitor has given a fee calculation of £1400 for freehold conveyancing in Broadstone. I’m looking to sell a newly refurbished property for £150,000. This seems overpriced. Is it above the norm for conveyancing in Broadstone?

The charges are a tad high. Where you are content to spend time contrasting prices you could get the conveyancing a bit cheaper by as much as a hundred pounds. That being said, you maycome to rue opting for an an untested solicitor. Remember to be sure that the firm can act for your lender. You can employ our search tool to select a Broadstone conveyancing company on the lender’s conveyancing panel which can often include conveyancing solicitors in Broadstone.

What does my ID and proof of funds have anything to do with my conveyancing in Broadstone? Is this really warranted?

Broadstone conveyancing solicitors as well as nationwide property lawyers accross the UK have an obligation under money laundering regulations to check the identity of any client in order to ensure that clients are who they say they are.

Conveyancing clients are required to disclose two forms of certified identification; proof of ID (typically a Passport or Driving Licence) and evidence of address (usually a Utility Bill less than 3 months old).

Confirmation of the origin of monies is also required under the money laundering statutes as solicitors are obliged to check that the monies you are using to buy a property (be it the exchange deposit or the total purchase monies where you are buying without a mortgage) has originated from legitimate source (such as an inheritance) rather than the proceeds of criminal behaviour.

I decided to have a survey done on a property in Broadstone prior to appointing solicitors. I have been informed that there is a flying freehold aspect to the house. My surveyor advised that some lenders will not grant a loan on such a property.

It depends who your proposed lender is. Lloyds has different instructions for example to Nationwide. If you call us we can check with the relevant bank. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can assist as they are used to dealing with flying freeholds in Broadstone. Conveyancing may be slightly more expensive based on your lender's requirements.

I have been recommended by numerous property agents in Broadstone to select a conveyancer using your seach tool. What’s the financial advantage for Estate Agents to recommend your services over and above alternative conveyancing organisations?

We refuse to offer any financial incentive for directing people to this site. We thought it would be too underhand a fee as home movers will think, ‘Why is the agent getting a kickback? Why aren’t I getting any benefit too?’ So we decided to step away from that.

Having checked my lease I have discovered that there are only 68 years left on my flat in Broadstone. I now want to get lease extension but my freeholder is missing. What should I do?

On the basis that you qualify, under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 you can submit an application to the County Court for for permission to dispense with the service of the initial notice. This will enable the lease to be lengthened by the Court. You will be obliged to demonstrate that you have used your best endeavours to find the freeholder. On the whole a specialist should be helpful to try and locate and prepare a report which can be used as evidence that the landlord is indeed missing. It is wise to seek advice from a solicitor both on proving the landlord’s disappearance and the application to the County Court covering Broadstone.

I am the registered owner of a 1st floor flat in Broadstone, conveyancing formalities finalised 4 years ago. How much will my lease extension cost? Similar flats in Broadstone with an extended lease are worth £185,000. The ground rent is £65 levied per year. The lease ceases on 21st October 2084

With just 60 years left to run the likely cost is going to range between £20,000 and £23,000 plus legals.

The suggested premium range above a general guide to costs for extending a lease, but we are not able to advice on a more accurate figure in the absence of comprehensive due diligence. Do not use the figures in tribunal or court proceedings. There may be other concerns that need to be considered and you obviously want to be as accurate as possible in your negotiations. You should not move forward placing reliance on this information before seeking the advice of a professional.