It has been five months following my purchase conveyancing in West Malling concluded. I have checked the Land Registry website which shows that I paid £175,000 when infact I paid £180,000. Why the discrepancy?

The price paid figure is taken from the application to register the purchase. It is the figure included in the Transfer (the legal deed which transfers the asset from one person to the other) and referred to as the 'consideration' or purchase price. You can report an error in the price paid figure using the LR online form. In most cases errors result from typos so at first glance the figure. Do report it so they can double check and advise.

How does conveyancing in West Malling differ for new build properties?

Most buyers of new build residence in West Malling come to us having been asked by the seller to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the residence is constructed. This is because developers in West Malling usually purchase the site, 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 accustomed to new build conveyancing in West Malling or who has acted in the same development.

I am looking for a leasehold apartment up to £235,500 and identified one round the corner in West Malling I like with open areas and transport links in the vicinity, however it only has 52 years unexpired on the lease. I can't really find anything else in West Malling in this price bracket, so just wondered if I would be making a grave error acquiring a short lease?

Should you require a mortgage the remaining unexpired lease term will be an issue. Discount the price by the amount the lease extension will cost if it has not already been discounted. If the existing proprietor has owned the property for at least 2 years you can request that they start the process of the extension and then assign it to you. You can add 90 years to the current lease term with a zero ground rent applied. You should speak to your conveyancing lawyer about this matter.

In surfing the web for the phrase conveyancing in West Malling it shows results of many solicitorsin the vicinity. With so much choice what is the best way to find the right conveyancer for me?

The preferential method of finding the right conveyancer is through a personal testimonial, so enquire of colleagues and relatives who have purchased a property in West Malling or a respected estate agent or financial adviser. Costs for conveyancing in West Malling differ, so it's sensible to secure a minimum of three fee calculations from varying types of solicitors. Make sure that you know what costs in the quote includes.

Can you offer any advice when it comes to choosing a West Malling conveyancing practice to deal with our lease extension?

If you are instructing a conveyancer for lease extension works (regardless if they are a West Malling conveyancing practice) it is essential that they be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of work. We suggest that you speak with two or three firms including non West Malling conveyancing practices before you instructing a firm. If the firm is ALEP accredited then so much the better. The following questions could be helpful:

What are the legal fees for lease extension conveyancing? How familiar is the practice with lease extension legislation?

West Malling Leasehold Conveyancing - A selection of Queries before Purchasing

Best to be warned whether redecorating or some other major work is due in the near future that will be shared by the leasehold owners and may well dramatically impact the level of the service costs or require a one time payment. Its a good idea to discover as much as possible concerning the managing agents as they will affect your use and enjoyment of the property. Being a leasehold owner you are often at the mercy of the managing agents both financially and when it comes to practical matters like the cleanliness of the communal areas. Ask other tenants if they are happy with them. On a final note, find out the dates that you are obliged pay the maintenance charge to the appropriate party and specifically what it includes. Does the lease have onerous restrictions?