My partner and I are acquiring our first house. The solicitor has texted usto ask if we would like to take out additional conveyancing searches. Frankly we in the dark as to what's necessary for conveyancing in Steyning

The range of Steyning conveyancing searches should be dictated primarily on the property, the location, the probability of any of these risks, your familiarity of the area and risks, your overall attitude to risk. What is important is that you adequately understand what information the searches could provide. Then you can make a decision if you personally think you need that information. Should you be uncertain, ask the solicitor to offer guidance.

I require quick conveyancing in Steyning as I am under a deadline to sign on the dotted line within one month. Thankfully I do not require a mortgage. Can I escape the need for conveyancing searches to save money and time?

If.Given you are are a cash buyer you have the choice not to have searches carried out although no conveyancer would recommend that you don't. Drawing on our experience of conveyancing in Steyning the following are examples of what can crop up and therefore impact market value: Refused Planning Applications, Outstanding Fees, Outstanding Grants, Road Schemes,...

Yesterday I discovered that there is a flying freehold issue on a house I have offered on two weeks back in what was supposed to be a quick, chain free conveyancing. Steyning is where the house is located. Can you shed any light on this issue?

Flying freeholds in Steyning are unusual but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even though you don't necessarily need a conveyancing solicitor in Steyning you would need to get your solicitor to go through the deeds diligently. Your mortgage company may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Steyning may decide that this is not enough and that the deeds be re-written to give you the most up to date legal protection. If so, the next door neighbour also had to sign up to the revised deeds.It is possible that your lender will not accept the situation so the sooner you find out the better. You should also check with your insurance broker as to whether they will insure a flying freehold residence.

I am thinking of appointing a conveyancing lawyer in Steyning for my home move. Is it possible to see a firm’s record with the profession’s regulator?

Members of the public can search for published Solicitor Regulator Association (SRA) determinations resulting from investigations commenced on or after 1 January 2008. Go to Check a solicitor's record. To find information Pre 2008, or to check a solicitors record, call 0870 606 2555, 08.00 - 18.00 Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and 09.30 - 18.00 Tuesday. For non-uk callers, dial +44 (0)121 329 6800. The SRA sometimes monitor telephone calls for training requirements.

I am looking at a couple of flats in Steyning both have in the region of 50 years unexpired on the leases. Should I regard a short lease as a deal breaker?

There is no doubt about it. A leasehold apartment in Steyning is a deteriorating asset as a result of the reducing lease term. The nearer the lease gets to zero years unexpired, the more it adversely affects the salability of the property. The majority of purchasers and mortgage companies, leases with under eighty years become less and less attractive. On a more positive note, leaseholders can extend their leases by serving a Section 42 Notice. One stipulation is that they must have owned the premises for two years (unlike a Section 13 notice for purchasing the freehold, when leaseholders can participate from day one of ownership). When successful, they will have the right to an extension of 90 years to the current term and ground rent is effectively reduced to zero. Before moving forward with a purchase of a property with a short lease term remaining you should talk to a solicitor specialising in lease extensions and leasehold enfranchisement. We are are happy to put you in touch with Steyning conveyancing experts who will explain the options available to you during an initial telephone conversation free of charge. More often than not it is possible to negotiate informally with the freeholder to extend the lease. You may find he or she is happy to negotiate informally and willing to consider your offer straight off, without having to involve anyone else. This will save you time and money and it could help you reach a lower price on the lease. You need to ensure that any new terms represent good long-term value compared with the standard benefits of the Section 42 Notice and that onerous clauses are not inserted into any redrafting of the lease.

I acquired a 1st floor flat in Steyning, conveyancing was carried out half a dozen years ago. Can you shed any light on how much the price could be for a 90 year extension to my lease? Comparable properties in Steyning with an extended lease are worth £195,000. The ground rent is £45 charged once a year. The lease runs out on 21st October 2088

With just 63 years remaining on your lease we estimate the premium for your lease extension to span between £16,200 and £18,600 as well as costs.

The suggested premium range that we have given is a general guide to costs for renewing a lease, but we cannot give you a more accurate figure in the absence of comprehensive investigations. You should not use this information in a Notice of Claim or as an informal offer. There may be additional issues that need to be considered and clearly you want to be as accurate as possible in your negotiations. You should not take any other action placing reliance on this information without first seeking the advice of a professional.