I was recommended to a solicitor who has given a fee estimate £1400 for no sale no fee conveyancing in Harrow. I am hoping to sell a Victorian detached home for £125,000. Are these conveyancing fees excessive? Is it above the average fee for conveyancing in Harrow?

The charges are a little high. If you shop around you may be able to decrease the fees marginally by perhaps a hundred pounds. That being said, you couldcome to rue opting for an a cheaper lawyer. If is important to ensure the conveyancer can represent your lender. You can utilise our search tool to get a quote a Harrow conveyancing firm on the lender’s approved list of lawyers which can often include conveyancing solicitors in Harrow.

How does conveyancing in Harrow differ for new build properties?

Most buyers of new build property in Harrow contact us having been asked by the builder to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the property is ready to move into. This is because new home sellers in Harrow usually purchase the real estate, 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 conveyancers 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 accustomed to new build conveyancing in Harrow or who has acted in the same development.

We're first time buyers - had an offer accepted, yet the property agent told us that the vendor will only issue a contract if we use the agent's chosen lawyers as they need a ‘quick sale’. We would rather use a family conveyancer who is familiar with conveyancing in Harrow

We suspect that the owner is unaware of this ultimatum. If they desire ‘a quick sale', turning down a genuine buyer is likely to cause more damage than good. Try to communicate with the vendors directly and explain that (a)you are motivated buyers (b)you are excited to move forward, with finances in place © you are unencumbered (d) you intend to proceed fast (e)but you will continue to use your preferred Harrow conveyancing lawyers - as opposed tothose that will give their negotiator at the agency a introducer fee or meet his conveyancing targets demanded by head office.

I am hoping to put an offer on a small detached house that seems to be perfect, at a great figure which is making it more attractive. I have just discovered that it's a leasehold as opposed to freehold. I am assuming that there are issues buying a leasehold house in Harrow. Conveyancing advisers have not yet been instructed. Will my lawyers set out the implications of buying a leasehold house in Harrow ?

Most houses in Harrow are freehold rather than leasehold. In this scenario it’s worth having a local conveyancer who is familiar with the area who can help the conveyancing process. it is apparent that you are purchasing in Harrow so you should seriously consider shopping around for a Harrow conveyancing solicitor and be sure that they have experience in advising on leasehold houses. First you will need to check the unexpired lease term. Being a leaseholder you will not be entirely free to do whatever you want to the property. The lease comes with conditions for example requiring the landlord’spermission to carry out alterations. You may also be required to pay a service charge towards the upkeep of the communal areas where the property is part of an estate. Your lawyer will report to you on the legal implications.

I have tried to negotiate informally with with my landlord for a lease extension without any joy. Can the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal adjudicate on such matters? Can you recommend a Harrow conveyancing firm to represent me?

if there is a absentee landlord or where there is disagreement about what the lease extension should cost, under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 it is possible to make an application to the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal to decide the sum to be paid.

An example of a Lease Extension decision for a Harrow property is flat 93b Welldon Crescent in May 2009. The Tribunals valuation for a 90-year lease extension of this fat was £13,171 This case affected 1 flat. The unexpired lease term was 75.25 years.

I need to swap lawyers as my Harrow lawyer is not on the bank's approved list of conveyancing solicitors. Is it advisable to appoint a new law firm?

If you haven't yet instructed a conveyancer to do anything for you and at this stage simply received quotes, you're perfectly free to choose a different solicitor to carry out your work for you. The best way is to get recommendations from friends or family who have actually used the solicitor or conveyancer in Harrow that you're considering.