My partner and I have recently bought a property in Colwall. We have noticed several issues with the property which we believe were missed in the conveyancing searches. Is there anything we can do? What searches should? have been ordered as part of conveyancing in Colwall?
The question is vague as what problems have arisen and if they are specific to conveyancing in Colwall. Conveyancing searches and investigations initiated as part of the legal transfer of property are supposed to help avoid problems. As part of the legal transfer of property, the vendor completes a questionnaire referred to as a Seller’s Property Information Form. answers turns out to be misleading, then you may have a claim against the seller for any losses that you have suffered. The survey should have identified any problems with the structure of the property. Assuming a detailed survey was carried out and the issues were not identified, you may have a claim against the surveyor. However, if you did not have a full survey, you may be responsible for fixing any defects that have now been noted. We would always encourage buyers to take every possible step to ensure they are completely aware of the condition of a property before purchase regardless of whether they are buying in Colwall.
How up to date is your search tool for Colwall conveyancing solicitors on the Clydesdale conveyancing panel? Do Clydesdale send you an updated list?
Colwall conveyancing firms themselves provide us confirmation that they are on the Clydesdale conveyancing panel as opposed to being supplied with a list from Clydesdale directly.
About to place an offer on a leasehold apartment in Colwall. The selling agents advise that it is normal for flats in Colwall to have less than 75 years left on the lease. I am expecting a mortgage with Chelsea Building Society. Will the property be mortgageable given that the lease has 69 years left.
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. Chelsea Building Society have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook in relation to minimum unexpired lease terms. As of 5/5/2025 the requirements read as follows :
Should my solicitor be raising questions regarding flooding as part of the conveyancing in Colwall.
Flooding is a growing risk for conveyancers dealing with homes in Colwall. There are those who acquire a property in Colwall, completely expectant that at some time, it may be flooded. However, aside from the physical destruction, where a property is at risk of flooding, it may be difficult to get a mortgage, adequate building insurance, or dispose of the property. Steps can be carried out during the course of a house purchase to forewarn the buyer.
Conveyancers are not best placed to give advice on flood risk, but there are a various checks that can be carried out by the purchaser or on a buyer’s behalf which should give them a better appreciation of the risks in Colwall. The conventional set of completed inquiry forms sent to a buyer’s lawyer (where the solicitors are adopting what is known as the Conveyancing Protocol) contains a standard inquiry of the seller to determine if the premises has ever been flooded. If the premises has been flooded in past and is not disclosed by the owner, then a buyer could commence a claim for damages as a result of such an inaccurate answer. The buyer’s conveyancers may also order an environmental report. This should higlight if there is a recorded flood risk. If so, more detailed inquiries will need to be initiated.
I opted to have a survey done on a house in Colwall before appointing lawyers. I have been informed that there is a flying freehold aspect to the property. My surveyor has said that some banks will not give a loan on a flying freehold premises.
It varies from the lender to lender. Santander has different instructions from Halifax. Should you wish to call us we can look into this further with the appropriate mortgage company. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can help as they are accustomed to dealing with flying freeholds in Colwall. Conveyancing will be smoother if you use a solicitor in Colwall especially if they regularly deal with such properties in Colwall.
I am hoping to exchange soon on a leasehold property in Colwall. Conveyancing solicitors have said that they report fully on Monday. What should I be looking out for?
Your report on title for your leasehold conveyancing in Colwall should include some of the following:
-
Your solicitors should enable you to have an understanding of the building insurance provisions Specifying your legal entitlements in relation to the communal areas in the building.For example, does the lease include a right of way over a path or hallways? Ground rent - how much and what the invoice dates are, and also know whether this is subject to change Does the lease prevent you from subletting the flat, or having a home office for business if lease has a provision for a sinking fund?
Leasehold Conveyancing in Colwall - Examples of Questions you should ask Prior to Purchasing
-
It would be wise to find out as much as you can concerning the company managing the block as they will affect your use and enjoyment of the property. Being a leasehold owner you will be in the clutches of the managing agents from a financial perspective and when it comes to every day matters such as the upkeep of the common parts. You should not be shy to ask other people whether they are happy with their management. Finally, investigate as to the dates that you are obliged pay the service charge to the managing agents and specifically how they are spending that money. Who takes charge for maintaining and repairing the block?