I am purchasing a 3 bedroom semi in Launceston. We would like to an extension at the rear at the house.Will legal due diligence on the property include checks to determine if these alterations are permitted?

Your conveyancer should check the registered title as conveyancing in Launceston will sometimes reveal restrictions in the title deeds which restrict certain changes or necessitated the consent of a 3rd party. Some works need local authority planning permissions and approval in compliance with building regulations. Certain areas are designated conservation areas and special planning restrictions apply which often prevent or impact extensions. It would be sensible to check these issues with a surveyor before you commit yourself to a purchase.

My fiancee and I are spending time viewing flats in Launceston and I am now considering a potential offer. Is it sensible to have my lawyer on ‘stand by’? I intend to finance via a home loan with TSB.

You should start obtaining conveyancing quotes from solicitors ASAP. After you have chosen your lawyer and once your offer is accepted you can instruct them to work for you and forward their details on to the EA. Given that you are obtaining a mortgage with TSB, ask your prospective lawyers if they are on the TSB conveyancing panel otherwise they can't do the mortgage legal work.

I am selling my flat. I had a double glazing fitted in August 2007, but did not receive a FENSA certificate or Building Regulation Certificate. My purchaser’s lender, Barclays are being a right pain. The Launceston solicitor who is on the Barclays conveyancing panel is happy to accept ‘lack of building regulation’ insurance but Barclays are requiring a building regulation certificate. Why do Barclays have a conveyancing panel if they don't accept advice from them?

It is probably the case that Barclays have referred the matter to their valuer. The reason why Barclays may not want to accept indemnity insurance is because it does not give them any reassurance that the double glazing was correctly and safely installed. The indemnity insurance merely protects against enforcement action which is very unlikely anyway.

My company is looking to lease a unit on the high street. Can you recommend conveyancers offering competitive charges for commercial conveyancing in Launceston for less than £2000?

We can recommend firms who have well rounded knowledge of commercial conveyancing in Launceston, including the disposal and purchase of businesses as well as simply property. If you are looking to buy or dispose of a shop, pub, restaurant, office, retail premises or a complete business we will find you the right firm. Regarding the costs this will depend on the structure and terms of the deal. Please provide us with your contact information or phone so as to enable us to supply you with a detailed commercial conveyancing quote.

My cousin has encouraged me to instruct his conveyancers in Launceston. Should I find my own solicitor?

No doubt it’s preferable to select a conveyancing lawyer is to get referrals from friends or relatives who have actually previously instructed the firm you're are thinking of instructing.

I am looking at a two maisonettes in Launceston which have about 50 years unexpired on the leases. Should I regard a short lease as a deal breaker?

There are plenty of short leases in Launceston. The lease is a legal document that entitles you to use the premises for a prescribed time frame. As the lease gets shorter the marketability of the lease reduces and it becomes more costly to extend the lease. This is why it is often a good idea to increase the term of the lease. Sometimes it is difficulties arise selling premises with a short lease because mortgage lenders less inclined to grant a loan on such properties. Lease enfranchisement can be a protracted process. We recommend you get professional assistance from a solicitor and surveyor with experience in this arena.

Launceston Leasehold Conveyancing - Examples of Queries Prior to buying

Plenty Launceston leasehold apartments will have a service charge for the upkeep of the building invoiced on behalf of the management company. Where you purchase the flat you will have to meet this amount, usually in instalments during the year. This can differ from a few hundred pounds to thousands of pounds for blocks with lifts and large communal areas. There will also be a ground rent to be met annual, this is usually not a large sum, say around £50-£100 but you should to enquire it because on occasion it can be many hundreds of pounds. What restrictions are there in the Launceston Lease? The answer will be helpful as a) areas may result in problems for the block as the common areas may begin to deteriorate where repairs are not paid for b) if the leasehold owners have a dispute with the running of the building you will wish to have all the details

Would local authority permission be needed to split a single dwelling into a couple of appartments in Launceston? This has occurred to a house opposite to a friend in Launceston and was not aware of it happening until after the works were finished.

Planning Permission yes. Building Regulations yes.