I have given 8 weeks notice to my existing landlord and must vacate my let out apartment in Durham by 23/6/2026. Conveyancing for my house purchase is progressing. Can I complete in a couple of weeks as don't want to have to move into short term accommodation?
Generally one should not give notice on a rental until exchange of contracts has taken place. Assuming that you have not previously done so, notify to your conveyancer and request that they chase the owners side, try to get a realistic time scale from them that everyone will aim towards
My wife and I have a renovated Edwardian property in Durham. Conveyancing lawyer represented me and Barclays . I did a free Land Registry search last week and I saw a couple of entries: the first freehold, the second leasehold with the exact same address. If a house is not a freehold shouldn't I have been informed?
You need to assess the Freehold register you have again and check the Charges Register as there may be mention of a lease. The best way to be sure that you are also the registered proprietor of the leasehold and freehold title as well is to check (£3). It is not completely unheard of in Durham and other areas of the country and poses no real issues for owners other than when they sell they have to account for both freehold and leasehold interests when dealing with purchasers. You can also check the position with your conveyancing practitioner who completed the work.
I am buying a new build apartment in Durham. Conveyancing is a frightening process at the best of times but I have never purchased a new build flat before. Can you give me some examples of some of the questions asked in new build legal work.
Here are examples of a few leasehold new build questions that you may expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Durham
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The Landlord must covenant to assume the management if the Management Company goes into liquidation or otherwise defaults in running the management scheme. Please supply a car parking plan. Where service of notices and proceedings can be at the property demised please confirm that this can be amended to include simultaneous services at the Lessees’ solicitors’ offices where the Lessee from time to time is not resident in the UK - such solicitors may be varied by notice in writing to the Landlord from time to time but otherwise will be as previously specified. If there are lifts in the building, please confirm that the owners of flats on the ground and basement floors will not be required to contribute towards the cost of maintenance and renewal.
Due to the advice of my in-laws I had a survey completed on a property in Durham before retaining conveyancers. I have been advised that there is a flying freehold aspect to the house. My surveyor has said that some lenders may refuse to issue a loan on such a property.
It varies from the lender to lender. Bank of Scotland has different instructions for example to Birmingham Midshires. If you call us we can look into this further via the relevant mortgage company. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can assist as they are used to dealing with flying freeholds in Durham. Conveyancing can be more complicated and therefore you should check with your conveyancing solicitor in Durham to see if the conveyancing costs will increase in light of this.
I am a sole trader wishing to lease a unit on the high street. Can you recommend conveyancers offering no-move-no charges for commercial conveyancing in Durham for below 1500k?
We can recommend firms who have an in-depth of experience of commercial conveyancing in Durham, including the sale and purchase of businesses as well as simply premises. Whether you are intending to buy or lease a shop, pub, restaurant, office, retail premises or a whole business we will find you the right solicitor. Regarding the fees this will depend on the structure and terms of the deal. Let us have your details or telephone us so that we can furnish you with comprehensive commercial conveyancing quote.
My father has urged me to use his lawyers for conveyancing in Durham. Do I follow his advice?
No doubt it’s preferable to select a conveyancing practitioner is to have referrals from friends or family who have experience in using the solicitor you're considering.