Can you explain why leasehold purchase conveyancing in Harbury costs more?

The conveyancing costs on a leasehold property in Harbury is often higher than on a freehold transaction. This is because there is an amount of supplemental work necessary in communicating with the landlord and managing agents to obtain evidence about whether the rent and service charges have been paid and whether there are any significant expenditure in the near future on repairs or maintenance of the building.

I am told that my conveyancing solicitors will need to check that the building insurance when buying a house in Harbury. My lender is Chelsea Building Society

Chelsea Building Society have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook. As of 22/1/2025, the requirements read as follows :

About to purchase a new build apartment in Harbury. Conveyancing is daunting at the best of times but I have never purchased a new build flat before. Can you give me some examples of some of the questions asked in new build legal work.

Here is a sample of a few leasehold new build enquiries that you may expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Harbury

Where service of notices and proceedings can be at the property demised please confirm that this can be amended to include simultaneous services at the Lessees’ solicitors’ offices where the Lessee from time to time is not resident in the UK - such solicitors may be varied by notice in writing to the Landlord from time to time but otherwise will be as previously specified. If there are lifts in the building, please confirm that the owners of flats on the ground and basement floors will not be required to contribute towards the cost of maintenance and renewal. The Vendor must covenant to keep unsold units in good repair until long leases are granted therefore. The Lease must contain a provision on behalf of the Vendor to pay the service charges in respect of unoccupied units in order to ensure that all services can be provided. Has the Lease plan been approved by the Land Registry and if not when will they be lodged for this purpose?

We are 3 weeks into a leasehold purchase having been recommend to conveyancers by the high street agent to do our conveyancing in Harbury. I am not happy. Can you help me find new solicitors?

A lawyer would have to be very poor in order to consider changing them. Has your mortgage been issued? In the event that it has you must advise them of the replacement lawyer and have the offer are re-sent. Your solicitor ideally should be on the mortgage company approved list to avoid added charges and complications. That should be your first question of the new solicitors. Our search tool will assist you in finding a bank approved conveyancer for your home move in Harbury

I've found a house that seems to tick a lot of boxes, at a reasonable price which is making it all the more appealing. I have just found out that it's a leasehold as opposed to freehold. I would have thought that there are particular concerns purchasing a house with a leasehold title in Harbury. Conveyancing advisers have not yet been appointed. Will they explain the issues?

Most houses in Harbury are freehold rather than leasehold. In this scenario it’s worth having a local conveyancer used to dealing with such properties who can help the conveyancing process. It is clear that you are purchasing in Harbury so you should seriously consider looking for a Harbury conveyancing solicitor and be sure that they are used to advising on leasehold houses. First you will need to check the number of years remaining. Being a lessee you will not be at liberty to do whatever you want with the house. The lease will likely included provisions for example requiring the freeholder’sconsent to carry out alterations. It may be necessary to pay a service charge towards the maintenance of the communal areas where the property is located on an estate. Your solicitor will appraise you on the various issues.