We are expecting a mortgage offer soon. The lender mentioned the mortgage came with free conveyancing. Does this mean I have to use their panel conveyancer as I would much rather instruct a local conveyancing solicitor in West Wittering?
Do check but the chances are that give you one of their panel solicitors where you want the "fee-free" deal. Speak to the lender to check if they make available a cash alternative. In the past a few lenders offered a £250 cashback as a further option in which case you could put that amount towards the cost for your conveyancing solicitor in West Wittering.
I own a semi-detached Victorian house in West Wittering. Conveyancing solicitor represented me and Santander. I happened to do a free search for it on the Land Registry database and I saw two entries: one for freehold, the second leasehold with the matching address. I thought I was buying a freehold how can I check?
You need to review the Freehold register you have again and check the Charges Register for mention of a lease. The best way to be sure that you are also the registered owner of the leasehold and freehold title as well is to check (£3). It is not completely unheard of in West Wittering and other locations in the country and poses no real issues for owners other than when they remortgage they have to account for both freehold and leasehold interests when dealing with lenders. You can also question the situation with the conveyancing solicitor who conducted the purchase.
My father-in-law has suggested that I use his conveyancers in West Wittering. Do I follow his advice?
No doubt the best way to select a conveyancing practitioner is to get recommendations from friends or relatives who have experience in using the solicitor you're considering.
I am hoping to put an offer on a small detached house that seems to tick a lot of boxes, at a great figure which is making it all the more appealing. I have just been informed that it's a leasehold rather than freehold. I would have thought that there are particular concerns buying a house with a leasehold title in West Wittering. Conveyancing solicitors have are about to be appointed. Will my lawyers set out the risks of buying a leasehold house in West Wittering ?
Most houses in West Wittering are freehold rather than leasehold. This is one of the situations where having a local solicitor who is familiar with the area who can help the conveyancing process. We note that you are buying in West Wittering in which case you should be shopping around for a West Wittering conveyancing solicitor and be sure that they have experience in dealing with leasehold houses. First you will need to check the unexpired lease term. As a tenant you will not be at liberty to do whatever you want to the property. The lease will likely included provisions for example obtaining the landlord’spermission to carry out changes to the property. You may also be required to pay a maintenance charge towards the upkeep of the communal areas where the house is part of an estate. Your solicitor will advise you fully on all the issues.
I bought a split level flat in West Wittering, conveyancing having been completed May 2008. How much will my lease extension cost? Similar properties in West Wittering with over 90 years remaining are worth £216,000. The ground rent is £50 yearly. The lease runs out on 21st October 2093
With just 69 years left to run we estimate the premium for your lease extension to be between £9,500 and £11,000 plus plus your own and the landlord's "reasonable" professional fees.
The figure 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 due diligence. Do not use this information in tribunal or court proceedings. There are no doubt other concerns that need to be taken into account and clearly you should be as accurate as possible in your negotiations. Neither should you take any other action based on this information before getting professional advice.
Our financial adviser has recommended their lawyer for the conveyancing in West Wittering - won’t it be easier to just instruct them?
This is not necessarily the case and you are at liberty to use whichever conveyancing practitioner of your choosing for your West Wittering conveyancing. The solicitor recommended by an estate agent may not necessarily be the best property lawyer, they may put forward their own conveyancing firm who are based far away. In this instance you may not have contact with your conveyancer and due to the lack of continuity in the transaction, it may be difficult to obtain updates.