My partner and I have just acquired a house in Leighton Buzzard. We have since encountered a number of problems with the house which we believe were missed in the conveyancing searches. Is there anything we can do? Can you clarify the nature of searches that should have been conducted as part of conveyancing in Leighton Buzzard?
It is not clear from the question as what problems have arisen and if they are relate to conveyancing in Leighton Buzzard. Conveyancing searches and investigations initiated as part of the buying process are carried out to help avoid problems. As part of the process, a seller completes a questionnaire known as a Seller’s Property Information Form. If the information ends up being incorrect, you could possibly take legal action against the owner 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 Leighton Buzzard.
It is a dozen years since I purchased my home in Leighton Buzzard. Conveyancing solicitors have just been retained on the sale but I am unable to locate the deeds. Will this cause complications?
Don’t worry too much. Firstly there is a possibility that the deeds will be kept by the mortgage company or they may be in the possession of the solicitor who handled the purchase. Secondly the chances are that the property will be registered at the land registry and you will be able to establish that you own the property by your conveyancing lawyers procuring current official copies of the land registers. Nearly all conveyancing in Leighton Buzzard involves registered property but in the rare situation where your property is not registered it adds to the complexity but is resolvable.
Due to the guidance of my in-laws I had a survey completed on a house in Leighton Buzzard ahead of appointing lawyers. I have been informed that there is a flying freehold overhang to the property. Our surveyor has said that some lenders may not issue a loan on a flying freehold house.
It varies from the lender to lender. Santander has different instructions for example to Nationwide. If you call us we can look into this further with the appropriate lender. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can help as they are used to dealing with flying freeholds in Leighton Buzzard. Conveyancing will be smoother if you use a solicitor in Leighton Buzzard especially if they regularly deal with such properties in Leighton Buzzard.
How do I search for a Leighton Buzzard law firm on the Godiva Mortgages Ltd conveyancing panel? I have wheels and am happy to travel upto 25kilometers to meet the conveyancer.
You can use the tool on this website. Please choose the lender and your location and you will see a number of Leighton Buzzard conveyancing lawyers located nearest you. We have listed some Leighton Buzzard conveyancing firms at the bottom of this page and you can ring them to see if they are on the Godiva Mortgages Ltd member panel
I have been sourcing a conveyancing lawyer in Leighton Buzzard for my home move. Is there any facility to check a firm’s record with the profession’s regulator?
Members of the public may search for published Solicitor Regulator Association (SRA) decisions arising from investigations started on or after Jan 2008. Visit Check a solicitor's record. To find information Pre 2008, or to check a firm's history, telephone 0870 606 2555, 08.00 - 18.00 Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and 09.30 - 18.00 Tuesday. For callers outside the UK, dial +44 (0)121 329 6800. The SRA could recorded telephone calls for training purposes.
I am hoping to put an offer on a small detached house that seems to tick a lot of boxes, at a great price which is making it more attractive. I have since discovered that the title is leasehold as opposed to freehold. I would have thought that there are particular concerns purchasing a leasehold house in Leighton Buzzard. Conveyancing solicitors have are soon to be instructed. Will they explain the issues?
Most houses in Leighton Buzzard are freehold and not leasehold. In this scenario it’s worth having a local conveyancer used to dealing with such properties who can help the conveyancing process. It is clear that you are buying in Leighton Buzzard so you should seriously consider looking for a Leighton Buzzard conveyancing practitioner and be sure that they are used to transacting on leasehold houses. First you will need to check the unexpired lease term. As a tenant you will not be at liberty to do whatever you want with the house. The lease will likely included provisions for example requiring the freeholder’sconsent to conduct changes to the property. You may also be required to pay a service charge towards the maintenance of the communal areas where the property is located on an estate. Your solicitor should appraise you on the various issues.
Leighton Buzzard Conveyancing for Leasehold Flats - Sample of Queries Prior to Purchasing
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It is important to be aware whether a new roof is being installed or some other major work is due shortly to be shared by the leasehold owners and will materially increase the the service fees or require a specific payment. Is the freehold owned collectively by the tenants? Its a good idea to discover as much as possible about the managing agents as they will impact your use and enjoyment of the property. As the owner of a leasehold property you will be in the clutches of the managing agents from a financial perspective and when it comes to day to day matters like the upkeep of the common parts. Enquire of other tenants if they are happy with them. On a final note, find out the dates that the service charges are due to the relevant party and specifically how they are spending that money.