I require expedited conveyancing in Northfield as I have a deadline to complete within one month. Thankfully I do not require a mortgage. Can I avoid the conveyancing searches to save fees and time?

As you are are a cash buyer you are at free not to do searches although no solicitor would recommend that you don't. Drawing on our experience of conveyancing in Northfield the following are examples of issues that can crop up and adversely impact future saleability: Enforcement Actions, Outstanding Fees, Outstanding Grants, Railway Schemes,...

How does conveyancing in Northfield differ for new build properties?

Most buyers of new build property in Northfield come to us having been asked by the builder to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the house is completed. This is because new home sellers in Northfield 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 property lawyers 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 Northfield or who has acted in the same development.

I am looking for a leasehold apartment up to £305k and identified one near me in Northfield I like with a park and transport links in the vicinity, however it only has 49 years on the lease. There is not much else in Northfield for this price, so just wondered if I would be making a mistake buying a lease with such few years left?

Should you require a home loan that many years will likely be problematic. Discount the price by the amount the lease extension will cost if it has not already been discounted. If the existing owner has owned the premises for at least twenty four months you can ask them to start the process of the extension and pass it to you. You can add 90 years to the current lease with a zero ground rent applied. You should speak to your conveyancing solicitor regarding this.

In searching the web for the term cheap conveyancing in Northfield it reveals many property lawyersin the vicinity. With so much choice what is the best way to find the suitable solicitor for my move?

The preferential way of seeking the right conveyancer is through a trusted recommendation, so seek the counsel of friends and those you trust who have acquired a property in Northfield or a local estate agent or mortgage broker. Charges for conveyancing in Northfield differ, so it's sensible to request at least four costs illustrations from different law firms. Make sure that you know that the fees are fixed.

I own a leasehold flat in Northfield. Conveyancing and HSBC Bank mortgage went though with no issue. A letter has just been received from someone claiming to own the freehold. It included a demand for arrears of ground rent dating back to 1997. The conveyancing practitioner in Northfield who previously acted has long since retired. Do I pay?

First make enquiries of HMLR to be sure that the individual purporting to own the freehold is in fact the registered owner of the freehold reversion. There is no need to instruct a Northfield conveyancing solicitor to do this as you can do this on the Land Registry website for £3. You should note that in any event, even if this is the legitimate landlord, under the Limitation Act 1980 the limitation period for recovery of ground rent is six years.

Leasehold Conveyancing in Northfield - Examples of Queries Prior to Purchasing

Be sure to enquire if the the lease includes any onerous restrictions in the lease. For instance some leases prohibit pets being allowed in in a block in Northfield. If you like the apartmentin Northfield but your dog can’t live with you then you will be faced hard decision. Does the lease contain onerous restrictions? How is the lease structured?