I am about to put an offer on a leasehold property in Wigan. The selling agents advise that it is usual for flats in Wigan to have less than 75 years unexpired on the lease. I am expecting a mortgage with Bank of Ireland. Is this going to be a problem if the lease has 69 years left.
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. Bank of Ireland have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook in relation to minimum unexpired lease terms. As of 16/6/2026 the requirements read as follows :
Should my conveyancer be asking questions concerning flooding as part of the conveyancing in Wigan.
The risk of flooding is if increasing concern for conveyancers carrying out conveyancing in Wigan. There are those who purchase a property in Wigan, completely aware that at some time, it may be flooded. However, aside from the physical damage, where a property is at risk of flooding, it may be difficult to obtain a mortgage, suitable building insurance, or sell the property. There are steps that can be taken as part of the conveyancing process to forewarn the buyer.
Lawyers are not qualified to impart advice on flood risk, however there are a various checks that may be undertaken by the buyer or on a buyer’s behalf which can give them a better understanding of the risks in Wigan. The conventional set of information supplied to a buyer’s conveyancer (where the Conveyancing Protocol is adopted) incorporates a standard question of the seller to determine if the property has historically flooded. If the residence has been flooded in past which is not revealed by the seller, then a purchaser could bring a compensation claim stemming from an misleading answer. A purchaser’s solicitors will also carry out an environmental search. This should indicate if there is any known flood risk. If so, further inquiries should be carried out.
How does conveyancing in Wigan differ for new build properties?
Most buyers of new build or newly converted property in Wigan approach us having been asked by the builder to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the property is ready to move into. This is because developers in Wigan tend to acquire 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 accustomed to new build conveyancing in Wigan or who has acted in the same development.
Due to the input of my in-laws I had a survey completed on a house in Wigan before instructing lawyers. I have been told that there is a flying freehold element to the property. Our surveyor advised that some mortgage companies may not give a loan on a flying freehold premises.
It depends who your proposed lender is. Lloyds has different requirements for example to Halifax. If you e-mail us we can investigate further via the appropriate mortgage company. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can help as they are used to dealing with flying freeholds in Wigan. Conveyancing may be slightly more expensive based on your lender's requirements.
I need to instruct a conveyancing solicitor for freehold conveyancing in Wigan. I have chance upon a web site which seems to have the perfect offering If there is a chance to get all this stuff done via phone that would be ideal. Should I be concerned? What should out be looking out for?
As usual with these online conveyancers you need to read ALL the small print - did you notice the extra charge for dealing with the mortgage?
I today plan to offer on a house that seems to meet my requirements, at a great figure 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 issues buying a house with a leasehold title in Wigan. Conveyancing advisers have not yet been instructed. Will they explain the issues?
Most houses in Wigan are freehold rather than leasehold. This is one of the situations where having a local conveyancer who is familiar with the area who can assist with the conveyancing process. it is apparent that you are buying in Wigan in which case you should be shopping around for a Wigan conveyancing solicitor and be sure that they are used to dealing with leasehold houses. As a matter of priority you will need to check the unexpired lease term. Being a tenant you will not be at liberty to do whatever you want to the property. The lease will likely included provisions for example requiring the freeholder’sconsent to conduct alterations. You may also be required to pay a service charge towards the maintenance of the estate where the house is located on an estate. Your lawyer will appraise you on the various issues.
Wigan Conveyancing for Leasehold Flats - Sample of Queries Prior to Purchasing
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Are there any major works anticipated that will increase the maintenance fees? The best form of lease structure is if the freehold interest is in the ownership of the leaseholders. In this situation the leaseholders enjoy being in charge if their destiny and notwithstanding that a managing agent is often retained if the building is larger than a house conversion, the managing agent is directed by the tenants. Who is in charge of the building?