My wife and I are close to exchanging contracts on the sale of our house in Fitzrovia and the buyers lawyers are claiming that there is a risk of it being built land that was not decontaminated. A high street Fitzrovia conveyancer would know that there is no such problem. It does beg the question why the buyers are using a web based conveyancing outfit rather than a conveyancing solicitor in Fitzrovia. We have lived in Fitzrovia for 4 years we know that this is a non issue. Is it a good idea to get in touch with our local Authority to seek clarification that the buyers are looking for.

It sounds as though you may have a conveyancing solicitor currently acting for you. Are they able to advise? You must check with your lawyer before you do anything. It is very possible that once the local authority has been informed of a potential issue it cannot be insured against (a bit like being diagnosed with a serious illness and then taking out life insurance to cover that same ailment)

How does conveyancing in Fitzrovia differ for new build properties?

Most buyers of new build premises in Fitzrovia approach us having been asked by the seller to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the residence is constructed. This is because developers in Fitzrovia typically purchase the site, plan the estate and want to get the plots sold off as they are building the properties. Buyers, therefore, will have to exchange contracts without actually seeing the house they are buying. To reduce the chances of losing the property, buyers should instruct conveyancing solicitors as soon as the property is reserved and mortgage applications should be submitted quickly. Due to the fact that it could be several months and even years between exchange of contracts and completion, the mortgage offer may need to be extended. It would be wise to use a lawyer who specialises in new build conveyancing especially if they are used to new build conveyancing in Fitzrovia or who has acted in the same development.

I've recently found out that there is a flying freehold issue on a property I have offered on two weeks back in what was supposed to be a straight forward, chain free conveyancing. Fitzrovia is the location of the property. Is there any guidance you can give?

Flying freeholds in Fitzrovia are unusual but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even though you don't necessarily need a conveyancing solicitor in Fitzrovia you must be sure that your lawyer goes through the deeds thoroughly. Your bank may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Fitzrovia may determine that this is not enough and that the deeds be re-written to give you the most up to date legal protection. If so, the next door neighbour also had to sign up to the revised deeds.It is possible that your lender will not accept the situation so the sooner you find out the better. You should also check with your insurance broker as to whether they will insure a flying freehold property.

I am using a search engine for the words cheap conveyancing in Fitzrovia it shows results of numerous conveyancersin the area. How do I determine which is the suitable conveyancer for purchase transaction?

The ideal method of finding a suitable conveyancer is through a trusted referral, so enquire of friends and relatives who have acquired a property in Fitzrovia or the reputable estate agent or mortgage broker. Costs for conveyancing in Fitzrovia differ, so it's sensible to request a minimum of four quotes from different companies. Make sure that you clarify that the fees are fixed.

I own a leasehold flat in Fitzrovia. Conveyancing was completed in 2011. I have been told that I mustn’t allow the lease length fall too short. Is this correct?

Fitzrovia leasehold properties are for a fixed term - usually just under one hundred years when they commenced. However a significant flats in Fitzrovia were built or converted in the 60’s and so such leases now have fewer than 80 years left to run. That may seem like a long time however Banks, Building Societies and other mortgage institutions tend to require leases to have a minimum of seventy five years unexpired to adequate security. This means that when you come to sell the property you will need a lease extension if you are nearing 75 years. To enhance the marketability of your property you should be thinking about whether to extend your lease well in advance of selling the property. Please note that there are advantages to taking action before the lease reaches even 80 years as when the lease falls below 80 years the amount you have to pay to extend starts to escalate.