I have given 8 weeks notice to my current landlord and must leave my let out flat in Cheltenham by 4/9/2025. Conveyancing on my purchase is progressing. Is it possible to complete in six weeks as don't want to have to move into temporary accommodation?
It is unwise to provide notice on a rental unless exchange of contracts has taken place. Assuming that you have not previously done so, speak to your solicitor and ask them to they seek the assistance the sellers side, try to a target completion date that all parties will work towards
Do lawyers request money up-front for conveyancing in Cheltenham?
If you are buying a property in Cheltenham your solicitor will request that you to provide them with monies to cover the search fees. Normally this is requested to cover the fees of the conveyancing searches. If any deposit is payable against the total price then this should be asked for shortly before exchange of contracts. Any further balance that is needed should be sent to your lawyer a couple of days ahead of the completion date.
We are downsizing from our home in Cheltenham and according to the buyers it appears that there is a risk of it being built land that was not decontaminated. Any local lawyer would know that there is no such problem. It does beg the question why the purchasers used a national conveyancing practice as opposed to a conveyancing solicitor in Cheltenham. Having lived in Cheltenham for 5 years we know of no issue. Do we get in touch with our local Authority to get confirmation that there is no issue.
It would appear that you have a conveyancing solicitor currently acting for you. What do they say? You must check with your lawyer before you do anything. It is very possible that once the local authority has been informed of a potential issue it cannot be insured against (a bit like being diagnosed with a serious illness and then taking out life insurance to cover that same ailment)
Over the last few months I have been searching for a flat up to £245,000 and identified one close by in Cheltenham I like with amenity areas and transport links nearby, however it's only got 52 years unexpired on the lease. I can't really find anything else in Cheltenham suitable, so just wondered if I would be making a mistake purchasing a short lease?
If you need a mortgage that many years will be problematic. Reduce the price by the expected lease extension will cost if not already taken into account. If the existing owner has owned the premises for a minimum of 2 years you could ask them to start the process of the extension and pass it to you. An additional ninety years can be extended on to the existing lease term with a zero ground rent applied. You should consult your conveyancing lawyer regarding this.
I'm converting the mortgage on my current home to a BTL mortgage with Bank of Ireland and I will use the rest of the raised equity as a deposit on further house. The area we are interested in is Cheltenham. Will your lawyers be able to act for both sets of lenders and tie in the two deals?
Do use our search tool on this page to check that the lawyers are on the appropriate lender panels. Assuming that they are your solicitor should be able to tie up the two transactions but you should have a chat with you conveyancer and communicate your expectations and requirements.
My step-father has suggested that I instruct his lawyers for conveyancing in Cheltenham. Do I follow his recommendation?
No doubt the best way to find a conveyancing solicitor is to seek guidance from friends or relatives who have actually previously instructed the conveyancer you're are thinking of instructing.