Why do I have to pay up front for conveyancing in Dollis Hill?
If you are buying a property in Dollis Hill your lawyer will request that you to provide them with funds to cover the search fees. This will be the total of the cost of the conveyancing searches. If any deposit is payable against the sale price then this will be needed immediately ahead of exchange of contracts. The closing balance that is needed should be sent to your lawyer a couple of days prior to the day of completion.
I am about to put an offer on a leasehold flat in Dollis Hill. The estate agents assure me that it is normal for flats in Dollis Hill to have less than 75 years remaining. I am getting a mortgage with Accord Mortgages. Is this going to be acceptable if 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. Accord Mortgages have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook in relation to minimum unexpired lease terms. As of 8/9/2025 the requirements read as follows :
How does conveyancing in Dollis Hill differ for newly converted properties?
Most buyers of new build property in Dollis Hill approach us having been asked by the builder to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the premises is constructed. This is because new home sellers in Dollis Hill typically purchase the site, 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 property lawyers 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 Dollis Hill or who has acted in the same development.
Do I need to be concerned by estate agents that I am dealing with are suggesting a national conveyancing firm rather than a local Dollis Hill conveyancing company?
As with many service providers, often referrals from relatives can be extremely useful or valuable. Yet there are lots of parties with a keen interest in a conveyancing matter; estate agents, mortgage brokers and mortgage companies might all suggest conveyancers to select. Sometimes these conveyancers might be known to one of the organisations as being good in their field, but sometimes there is an underlying commercial relationship behind the endorsement. You have the discretion to select your own lawyer. You need to be aware that many lenders have an approved list of law firms you have to use for the mortgage aspect of your transaction.
I today plan to offer on a house that seems to tick a lot of boxes, at a reasonable price which is making it all the more appealing. I have just found out that it's a leasehold as opposed to freehold. I am assuming that there are particular concerns buying a leasehold house in Dollis Hill. Conveyancing advisers have are soon to be appointed. Will my lawyers set out the implications of buying a leasehold house in Dollis Hill ?
The majority of houses in Dollis Hill are freehold rather than leasehold. In this scenario it’s worth having a local conveyancer who is familiar with the area who can help the conveyancing process. It is clear that you are purchasing in Dollis Hill so you should seriously consider shopping around for a Dollis Hill conveyancing solicitor and check that they are used to advising on leasehold houses. As a matter of priority you will need to check the unexpired lease term. As a lessee you will not be entirely free to do whatever you want with the house. The lease comes with conditions such as requiring the freeholder’sconsent to conduct alterations. It may be necessary to pay a maintenance charge towards the maintenance of the communal areas where the property is part of an estate. Your lawyer should advise you fully on all the issues.
I have tried to negotiate informally with with my landlord for a lease extension without any joy. Can the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal decide on such matters? Can you recommend a Dollis Hill conveyancing firm to represent me?
Absolutely. We are happy to put you in touch with a Dollis Hill conveyancing firm who can help.
An example of a Freehold Enfranchisement decision for a Dollis Hill premises is 12 & 12A Deacon Road in May 2010. the Tribunal concluded that the price to be paid for the freehold should be £38,287 This case affected 2 flats. The number of years remaining on the existing lease(s) was 65.58 years.
Developers have put forward a conveyancing practitioner and I've sought an estimate from them. They are almost £300 cheaper than my own Dollis Hill solicitor. What's the catch?
Developers often have panels of lawyers who are quick and who know the builder's documentation and conveyancing practitioner. Plenty of developers offer an incentive to use a preferred solicitor for this reason, any increased cost can be avoided and a developer will not put forward a conveyancing factory and run the risk of having the transaction stall when they require an exchange within a tight time frame. The argument for not agreeing to use the recommended conveyancer is that they may be reluctant to 'push' your interests at the risk of upsetting the developer. Where you have concerns that this may be the case you should keep with your local Dollis Hill lawyer.