Completed the sale of my flat in Birmingham last May yet the purchaser is Skype messaging me to moan that his lawyer needs to hear from mine. What should my lawyer have done following completion?
Post completion of your sale your lawyer should forward the transfer deeds and all supplemental paperwork to the purchaser's conveyancer. If applicable, your conveyancer must also confirm that the legal charge in favour of the lender has been discharged to the buyers conveyancers. There are no post completion procedures unique to conveyancing in Birmingham.
I am about to put an offer on a leasehold apartment in Birmingham. The selling agents tell me that it is normal for flats in Birmingham to have less than 75 years remaining. I am getting a mortgage with Virgin. Will the property be mortgageable given that the lease has 69 years unexpired.
Most leasehold conveyancing experts should be able to deal with a lease extension. if you are getting a mortgage then your lender may insist that the lease be extended before competition. Virgin have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook in relation to minimum unexpired lease terms. As of 24/1/2025 the requirements read as follows :
How does conveyancing in Birmingham differ for newly converted properties?
Most buyers of new build property in Birmingham approach us having been asked by the developer to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the house is finished. This is because developers in Birmingham typically acquire 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 used to new build conveyancing in Birmingham or who has acted in the same development.
I'm remortgaging my primary house to a buy to let mortgage with Godiva Mortgages Ltd and intend to use the remaining equity as a deposit on another property. The location we are interested in is Birmingham. Will your lawyers be able to act for the two mortgage companies and link together the two deals?
Do use our search tool on this page to be sure that the solicitors are on the relevant lender panels. Having checked that they are your conveyancer should be able to tie up the two deals but you should have a chat with you lawyer and communicate your expectations and needs.
I need to instruct a conveyancing solicitor in Birmingham for my house move. Is there any facility to see a solicitor's complaints history with the legal regulator?
Anyone can search for published Solicitor Regulator Association (SRA) decisions stemming from inquisitions from 2008 onwards. Go to Check a solicitor's record. To find information about the period before 1 January 2008, or to check a firm's record, phone 0870 606 2555, 08.00 - 18.00 Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and 09.30 - 18.00 Tuesday. For non-uk callers, call +44 (0)121 329 6800. The SRA sometimes recorded telephone calls for training purposes.
I am hoping to put an offer on a small detached house that seems to be perfect, at a reasonable price which is making it all the more appealing. I have since been informed that it's a leasehold rather than freehold. I am assuming that there are particular concerns buying a leasehold house in Birmingham. Conveyancing lawyers have are soon to be instructed. Will they explain the issues?
The majority of houses in Birmingham are freehold rather than leasehold. This is one of the situations where having a local solicitor who is familiar with the area who can assist with the conveyancing process. it is apparent that you are buying in Birmingham in which case you should be looking for a Birmingham conveyancing solicitor and be sure that they have experience in transacting on leasehold houses. First you will need to check the number of years remaining. Being a leaseholder you will not be at liberty to do whatever you want to the property. The lease comes with conditions for example requiring the landlord’spermission to carry out changes to the property. It may be necessary to pay a service charge towards the upkeep of the estate where the house is part of an estate. Your conveyancer will advise you fully on all the issues.
Birmingham Conveyancing for Leasehold Flats - Examples of Questions you should consider Prior to Purchasing
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Please note if it is no more than 80 years it will affect the salability of the property. It is worth checking with your lender that they are willing to go ahead with the loan given the lease term. A short lease means that you will most likely require a lease extension at some point and you need to have some idea of how much this will be. Remember, in most cases you would be be obliged to have owned the property for two years in order to be legally able to extend the lease. What prohibitions exist in the Birmingham Lease?