I have given 2 months notice to my existing landlord and have to leave my rented property in Folkestone by the end of next month. Conveyancing for my house purchase is underway. How realistic is it to complete in six weeks as I wish to avoid having to find short term accommodation?

The normal practice is not to provide notice for your tenancy until your lawyer suggests that you should. Assuming that you have not previously done so, notify to your conveyancer and ask them to they seek the assistance the other side, try to an agreed time frame that all parties will aim to achieve

In researching moneysavingexpert.com for a recommended lawyer in Folkestone, many advise that I must instruct a CQS accredited solicitor. Can you explain what CQS is?

The Law Society's Conveyancing Quality Scheme is the recognised kitemark for legal experts in home moving process, trusted by some of the UK's major banks. In 2011-12 the Conveyancing Quality Scheme was officially recognised by the Association of British Insurers (ABI). The scheme does not cover licenced conveyancers. Folkestone is one of the numerous areas of the UK where there are Accredited solicitors.

Due to the encouragement of my in-laws I had a survey completed on a property in Folkestone ahead of retaining lawyers. I have been informed that there is a flying freehold overhang to the property. The surveyor advised that some mortgage companies tend refuse to grant a loan on such a premises.

It depends who your proposed lender is. HSBC has different instructions from Nationwide. Should you wish to call us we can look into this further with the relevant lender. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can assist as they are accustomed to dealing with flying freeholds in Folkestone. Conveyancing may be slightly more expensive based on your lender's requirements.

My father has encouraged me to instruct his conveyancers in Folkestone. Do I take his advice?

No doubt it’s preferable to select a conveyancing solicitor is to seek feedback from friends or family who have used the firm you're are thinking of instructing.

I am tempted by the attractive purchase price for a couple of apartments in Folkestone which have about 50 years left on the leases. Should I regard a short lease as a deal breaker?

There are plenty of short leases in Folkestone. The lease is a legal document that entitles you to use the property for a period of time. As a lease gets shorter the marketability of the lease deteriorates and it becomes more costly to acquire a lease extension. For this reason it is advisable to extend the lease term. Sometimes it is difficulties arise selling premises with a short lease as mortgage companies may be reluctant to lend money on properties of this type. Lease extension can be a protracted process. We recommend you seek professional help from a conveyancer and surveyor with experience in this field.

Folkestone Conveyancing for Leasehold Flats - A selection of Questions you should ask before Purchasing

It is important to be aware if a new roof is being put on or some other significant cost is pending to be shared amongst the tenants and will materially increase the the maintenance costs or result in a specific invoice. Be sure to discover if the the lease includes any adverse restrictions in the lease. For instance plenty of leases prohibit pets being permitted in in a block in Folkestone. If you love the apartmentin Folkestone but your cat can’t make the move with you then you will be presented with a difficult determination.