I am about to put an offer on a leasehold flat in Clerkenwell. The estate agents assure me that it is normal for flats in Clerkenwell to have less than 75 years unexpired on the lease. I am taking out a mortgage with Tesco Bank. Is this going to be acceptable if the lease has 72 years remaining.
Most leasehold conveyancing experts should be able to deal with a lease extension. if you are securing a mortgage then your lender may insist that the lease be extended before competition. Tesco Bank have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook in relation to minimum unexpired lease terms. As of 12/11/2025 the requirements read as follows :
four months have elapsed since my purchase conveyancing in Clerkenwell took place. I have checked the Land Registry website which shows that I paid £200,000 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 Clerkenwell differ for newly converted properties?
Most buyers of new build or newly converted property in Clerkenwell approach us having been asked by the housebuilder to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the house is ready to move into. This is because builders in Clerkenwell tend to purchase 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 Clerkenwell or who has acted in the same development.
Due to the input of my in-laws I had a survey completed on a property in Clerkenwell prior to instructing lawyers. I have been told that there is a flying freehold aspect to the property. Our surveyor has said that some lenders tend refuse to grant a loan on such a property.
It depends who your proposed lender is. HSBC has different requirements for example to Nationwide. Should you wish to call us we can check with the relevant bank. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can assist as they are accustomed to dealing with flying freeholds in Clerkenwell. Conveyancing may be slightly more expensive based on your lender's requirements.
I am looking for a conveyancing practitioner in Clerkenwell for my house move. Can I check a firm’s record with the profession’s regulator?
You may find documented Solicitor Regulator Association (SRA) determinations stemming from investigations started on or after Jan 2008. Visit Check a solicitor's record. To find information about the period before 1 January 2008, or to check a solicitors record, ring 0870 606 2555, 08.00 - 18.00 any week day save for Tuesday when lines open at 9.30am. For callers outside the UK, call +44 (0)121 329 6800. The SRA could recorded call for training requirements.
Can you offer any advice when it comes to choosing a Clerkenwell conveyancing firm to carry out our lease extension conveyancing?
If you are instructing a solicitor for your lease extension (regardless if they are a Clerkenwell conveyancing firm) it is imperative that they be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of work. We recommend that you talk with two or three firms including non Clerkenwell conveyancing practices before you instructing a firm. Where the conveyancing practice is ALEP accredited then so much the better. The following questions might be of use:
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What are the costs for lease extension work?
I am the proprietor of a ground floor flat in Clerkenwell. Given that I can not reach agreement with the freeholder, can the Leasehold valuation Tribunal make a decision on the sum payable for a lease extension?
Where there is a missing freeholder or where there is dispute about what the lease extension should cost, under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 you can apply to the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal to calculate the price payable.
An example of a Lease Extension case for a Clerkenwell flat is Flat 89 Trinity Court Grays Inn Road in February 2013. the Tribunal found that the premium to be paid by the tenant on the grant of a new lease, in accordance with section 56 and Schedule 13 to the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 should be £36,229. This case affected 1 flat. The unexpired residue of the current lease was 66.8 years.