Just bought a semi-detached house in Northamptonshire , how long should it take for the Land Registry to register the transfer to my name? My Northamptonshire conveyancing solicitor works at snail pace, so I want to check that my purchase is registered.

There is nothing unique about conveyancing in Northamptonshire registration formalities. As opposed to being determined by geographic area, timeframes can adjust depending on the party submitting the application, whether there are errors and whether the Land registry must send notices to any interested parties. As of today in the region of 80% of submission are completed within 12 days but some can be subject to extensive hold-ups. Registration is effected once the purchaser is living at the premises so an expedited registration is not usually top priority but if there is a degree of urgency associated with the registration then you or your lawyers can communicate with the Registry to express the reasoning for the application to be prioritised.

How does conveyancing in Northamptonshire differ for new build properties?

Most buyers of new build premises in Northamptonshire come to us having been asked by the seller to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the house is built. This is because developers in Northamptonshire typically purchase the land, 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 used to new build conveyancing in Northamptonshire or who has acted in the same development.

Taking into account that I am about to part with over three hundred thousand on a two bedroom apartment in Northamptonshire I would like to talk to a lawyer about myconveyancing before appointing the firm. Is this something that you can arrange?

This is something that we encourage - it is our preference to talk to you we do not take any clients on without you first talking to the conveyancer who will be carrying out your conveyancing in Northamptonshire.There is no ‘factory style conveyancing’ - every client is unique individual, not a matter reference. The law firms that we put you in touch with believe that the figure you are provided with for your conveyancing in Northamptonshire should be the figure that you are charged.

Having checked my lease I have discovered that there are only 72 years left on my flat in Northamptonshire. I need to get lease extension but my freeholder is missing. What are my options?

If you meet the appropriate requirements, under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 you can apply to the County Court for for permission to dispense with the service of the initial notice. This will enable the lease to be extended by the Court. You will be obliged to demonstrate that you or your lawyers have made all reasonable attempts to find the lessor. In some cases an enquiry agent may be helpful to carry out a search and to produce an expert document to be used as evidence that the freeholder is indeed missing. It is advisable to get professional help from a property lawyer in relation to proving the landlord’s disappearance and the application to the County Court overseeing Northamptonshire.

Northamptonshire Leasehold Conveyancing - A selection of Questions you should consider Prior to Purchasing

Does the lease include onerous restrictions? Is the freehold reversion owned jointly by the tenants?

To what extent are Northamptonshire conveyancing solicitors under an obligation to the Law Society to issue clear conveyancing figures?

Contained within the Solicitors Code of Conduct are specific rules and regulations as to how the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) allow solicitors to publicise their fees to clients.The Law Society have a practice note giving advice on how to publicise transparent charges to avoid breaching any such rule. Practice notes are not legal advice issued by the Law Society and is not to be interpreted as the only standard of good practice a conveyancing solicitor should adhere to. The Practice Note does, nevertheless, constitute the Law Society’s view of acceptable practice for publicising conveyancing charges, and accordingly it’s a recommended read for any solicitor or conveyancer in Northamptonshire or across England and Wales.