It is 10 years ago since I acquired my home in Longton. Conveyancing solicitors have just been appointed on the sale but I can't find my title documents. Will this cause complications?
You need not be too concerned. Firstly the deeds may be retained by the lender or they may be in the possession of the solicitor who handled the purchase. Secondly in all probability the land will be registered at the land registry and you will be able to establish that you are the registered owner by your conveyancing lawyers procuring up to date copy of the land registers. The vast majority of conveyancing in Longton involves registered property but in the rare situation where your home is unregistered it is more problematic but is not insurmountable.
How does conveyancing in Longton differ for new build properties?
Most buyers of new build residence in Longton come to us having been asked by the seller to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the house is built. This is because house builders in Longton usually buy 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 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 Longton or who has acted in the same development.
What does commercial conveyancing in Longton cover?
Non domestic conveyancing in Longton incorporates a broad range of services, provided by qualified solicitors, relating to business premises. For instance, this area of conveyancing can cover the sale or purchase of freehold business premises or, more commonly, the transfer of existing business tenancies or the drafting of new leasing arrangements. Commercial conveyancing solicitors can also offer advice on the sale of business assets, commercial mortgages and the termination of tenancies.
Is it best to instruct a Longton conveyancing solicitor in close proximity to the house I am hoping to buy? I have an old university friend who can handle the conveyancing but her office is approximately 350miles drive away.
The benefit of a local Longton conveyancing practice is that you can visit the firm to sign documents, present your ID and apply pressure on them if necessary. They will also have local knowledge which is a benefit. That being said it's more important to get someone that will pull out all the stops for you. If other friends have used your friend and on the whole were content that should trump using an unknown Longton conveyancing solicitor just because they are round the corner.
My wife and I purchased a leasehold house in Longton. Conveyancing and HSBC Bank mortgage are in place. A letter has just been received from someone claiming to own the freehold. Attached was a ground rent demand for rent dating back to 1995. The conveyancing solicitor in Longton who previously acted has long since retired. Any advice?
First contact the Land Registry to be sure that the individual purporting to own the freehold is in fact the registered owner of the freehold reversion. There is no need to incur the fees of a Longton conveyancing practitioner to do this as it can be done on-line for less than a fiver. You should note that regardless, even if this is the rightful freeholder, under the Limitation Act 1980 no more than 6 years of rent can be collected.
Longton Conveyancing for Leasehold Flats - A selection of Queries before buying
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Who is in charge of the building? It would be prudent to find out as much as possible regarding the company managing the building as they will impact your use and enjoyment of the property. As the proprietor of a leasehold property you are often in the clutches of the managing agents from a financial perspective and when it comes to every day issues such as the tidiness of the common parts. Don't be shy to ask prospective neighbours whether they are happy with them. On a final note, find out the dates that the maintenance charges are due to the managing agents and specifically what you get for your money.
Why do I have to supply my lawyer with numerous items of identification before I can proceed with my conveyancing in Longton?
Longton conveyancers are duty bound by the Law Society, Solicitors Regulation Authority, the Land Registry and current Money Laundering legislation to certify that the have checked the identity of their clients. It will also be a requirement of your mortgage offer. In addition they have to complete various forms, particularly those relating to SDLT and need to have details such as your full names, national insurance number and date of birth.