Recently been in touch with my conveyancing lawyer in Otford who conducted the legals two years ago and wanted a conveyancing estimate based on the same type of house move (a leasehold property and a freehold property) of almost identical values with a loan from The Royal Bank of Scotland. It looks as though am now being charged double. Should I hunt for a cheaper online property lawyer?
The quote is fractionally on the expensive side. If you are content to spend time scrutinising prices you might get the conveyancing a bit cheaper by as much as £100 plus VAT. On the other hand, if you were pleased with the service the firm gave you couldlive to rue opting for an an unknown solicitor. Don't forget to ensure that the conveyancer can represent The Royal Bank of Scotland. You can utilise our search tool to locate a Otford conveyancing firm on the The Royal Bank of Scotland approved list of lawyers, which can often include conveyancing solicitors in Otford.
I am about to put a bid on a leasehold flat in Otford. The property agents say that it is standard for flats in Otford to have less than 75 years unexpired on the lease. I am obtaining a loan with Chelsea Building Society. Will the property be mortgageable given that the lease has 70 years remaining.
Most leasehold conveyancing experts should be able to deal with a lease extension. if you are obtaining 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 3/6/2025 the requirements read as follows :
My friend advised me that if I am buying in Otford I should ask my conveyancer to carry out a Neighbourhood, Planning and Local Amenity Search. Can you explain what the purpose of this search is?
This is a search is sometimes included in the estimate for your Otford conveyancing searches. It is not a small document of more than thirty pages, listing and setting out important information about Otford around the property and the people living there. It incorporates an Aerial Photograph, Planning Applications, Land Use, Mobile Phone Masts, Rights of Way, the local Housing Market, Council Tax Banding, the demographics of People living in the area, the dominant type of Housing, the Average House Prices, Crime details, Otford Education with maps and statistics, Local Amenities and other useful data about Otford.
I have been sourcing a conveyancing solicitor in Otford for my sale. Is it possible to see a firm’s record with the profession’s regulator?
Members of the public may read presented Solicitor Regulator Association (SRA) decisions resulting from investigations commenced on or after 1 January 2008. Go to Check a solicitor's record. To find records Pre 2008, or to check a solicitors history, ring 0870 606 2555, 08.00 - 18.00 any week day save for Tuesday when lines open at 9.30am. For callers outside the UK, call +44 (0)121 329 6800. The SRA may recorded telephone calls for training reasons.
I today plan to offer on a house that seems to be perfect, at a great price which is making it all the more appealing. I have since discovered that it's a leasehold rather than freehold. I would have thought that there are issues buying a house with a leasehold title in Otford. Conveyancing lawyers have not yet been appointed. Will my lawyers set out the implications of buying a leasehold house in Otford ?
Most houses in Otford are freehold rather than leasehold. In this scenario it’s worth having a local solicitor who is familiar with the area who can help the conveyancing process. it is apparent that you are buying in Otford so you should seriously consider shopping around for a Otford conveyancing practitioner and be sure that they are used to transacting on leasehold houses. First you will need to check the number of years remaining. Being a lessee you will not be entirely free to do whatever you want to the property. The lease comes with conditions such as obtaining the landlord’sconsent to conduct alterations. It may be necessary to pay a maintenance charge towards the maintenance of the communal areas where the property is located on an estate. Your conveyancer will advise you fully on all the issues.
Leasehold Conveyancing in Otford - Sample of Questions you should ask Prior to Purchasing
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Its a good idea to discover as much as possible concerning the company managing the block as they can either make your life much easier or uncomfortable. As the owner of a leasehold property you are frequently in the clutches of the managing agents both financially and when it comes to day to day issues such as the cleanliness of the common parts. Don't be shy to ask other people what they think of them. Finally, be sure you understand the dates that you are obliged pay the maintenance charge to the managing agents and precisely what it includes. How many of the leaseholders are in arrears for their maintenance charge payments?
I am contemplating choosing a web based conveyancing practitioner as opposed to a Otford conveyancing practice. Am I making a mistake?
Numerous benefits exist in being able to visit a local Otford conveyancing solicitor for example
- signing documents same day
- often being able to see someone face-to-face can make a significant difference, particularly for more complex transactions
- the ability to complain if things need to addressed
When analysing estimates, look out for hidden extras. Most decent Otford high street solicitors give an all-inclusive price. Often online agents appear to offer discounted prices, yet have burried 'extras' in the small print.