It is a dozen years since I acquired my property in Townhill. Conveyancing lawyers have just been retained on the sale but I can't locate the title deeds. Is this a problem?

You need not be too concerned. First the deeds may be retained by your lender or they could still be with the lawyers who handled your purchase. Secondly the chances are that the land will be registered at the land registry and you will be able to prove you are the registered owner by your conveyancing lawyers obtaining up to date copy of the land registers. Nearly all conveyancing in Townhill relates to registered property but in the rare situation where your property is unregistered it adds to the complexity but is resolvable.

Will my conveyancing lawyers need to check that the building insurance for my purchase of a house in Townhill. My lender is The Mortgage Works

The Mortgage Works have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook. As of 27/2/2025, the requirements read as follows :

How does conveyancing in Townhill differ for new build properties?

Most buyers of new build property in Townhill contact us having been asked by the developer to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the residence is built. This is because developers in Townhill tend to buy 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 conveyancing solicitors 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 Townhill or who has acted in the same development.

Yesterday I discovered that there is a flying freehold element on a house I put an offer in a fortnight ago in what was supposed to be a straight forward, no chain conveyancing. Townhill is the location of the property. What do you suggest?

Flying freeholds in Townhill are not the norm but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even though you don't necessarily need a conveyancing solicitor in Townhill you would need to get your solicitor to go through the deeds very carefully. Your bank may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Townhill 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 premises.

I would like to let out my leasehold flat in Townhill. Conveyancing solicitor who did the purchase is retired - so can't ask her. Do I need to ask my freeholder for their consent?

A small minority of properties in Townhill do contain a provision to say that subletting is only permitted with prior consent from the landlord. The landlord is not entitled to unreasonably refuse but, in such cases, they would need to review references. Experience suggests that problems are usually caused by unsatisfactory tenants rather than owner-occupiers and for that reason you can expect the freeholder to take up the references and consider them carefully before granting consent.

Townhill Leasehold Conveyancing - Examples of Queries Prior to Purchasing

Generally speaking the cost for major works are not included within maintenance charges, albeit that a few managing agents in Townhill ask leaseholders to contribute towards a reserve fund created for the specific intention of establishing a fund for major repairs or maintenance. How many of the leaseholders are in arrears for their maintenance charge payments? Most Townhill leasehold flats will be liable to pay a service charge for maintenance of the block set by the landlord. If you acquire the flat you will have to meet this contribution, usually in instalments accross the year. This can be anything from two or three hundred pounds to thousands of pounds for blocks with lifts and large common grounds. In all probability there will be a rentcharge to be met yearly, this is usually not a exorbitant amount, say about £25-£75 but you should to enquire as on occasion it could be surprisingly expensive.