My lawyer has identified a defect with the lease for the property we are purchasing in Dartmouth Park. The other side have put forward title insurance as a workaround. We are happy with insurance and will pay for it. Our solicitor says that he must be satisfied that the lender is willing to move forward with this solution. Who is the client here, us or the lender?

Even though you have a mortgage offer from the bank does not mean to say that the property will meet their specifications for the purposes of a mortgage. Your lawyer has to ensure that the lease has to comply with the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook specifications. You and the mortgage company are the client. These conveyancing instructions have to be complied with.

I have 7378 less than 75 years unexpired on my lease and require a lease extension for my flat in Dartmouth Park. Conveyancing solicitors on the Tesco Bank panel can deal with such extensions correct?

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. Tesco Bank have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook in relation to minimum unexpired lease terms. As of 28/4/2024 the requirements read as follows :

The estate agent has sent us the confirmation of our purchase of a new build flat in Dartmouth Park. Conveyancing is necessary evil at the best of times but I have never purchased a new build flat before. What sort of enquires would be asked in new build legal work.

Set out below is a sample of a few leasehold new build enquiries that you may expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Dartmouth Park

Will control of the Management Company (if any) be handed over to purchasers on completion of the last sale or earlier? Has the Lease plan been approved by the Land Registry and if not when will they be lodged for this purpose? 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. Please supply a car parking plan. The Vendor must covenant to keep unoccupied units in good repair until long leases are granted therefore.

In my capacity as executor for the will of my aunt I am selling a property in Neath but reside in Dartmouth Park. My solicitor (approximately 260 miles awayneeds me to sign a statutory declaration prior to the transaction finalising. Could you suggest a conveyancing practitioner in Dartmouth Park who can witness this legal document for me?

Technically speaking you should not need to have the documents attested by a conveyancing solicitor. Ordinarily or notary public or solicitor will be fine regardless of whether they are located in Dartmouth Park

I today plan to offer on a house that seems to meet my requirements, at a great price which is making it more attractive. I have just been informed that it's a leasehold as opposed to freehold. I would have thought that there are issues buying a leasehold house in Dartmouth Park. Conveyancing lawyers have are soon to be instructed. Will they explain the issues?

Most houses in Dartmouth Park are freehold and not leasehold. In this scenario it’s worth having a local conveyancer who is familiar with the area who can assist with the conveyancing process. it is apparent that you are purchasing in Dartmouth Park so you should seriously consider shopping around for a Dartmouth Park conveyancing solicitor and be sure that they have experience in transacting on leasehold houses. As a matter of priority you will need to check the number of years remaining. Being a leaseholder you will not be at liberty to do whatever you want with the house. The lease comes with conditions such as requiring the landlord’spermission to carry out changes to the property. It may be necessary to pay a contribution towards the maintenance of the communal areas where the property is part of an estate. Your solicitor should report to you on the legal implications.

Following months of dialogue we simply can't agree with our landlord on how much the lease extension should cost for our flat in Dartmouth Park. Can we issue an application to the Residential Property Tribunal Service?

Absolutely. We are happy to put you in touch with a Dartmouth Park conveyancing firm who can help.

An example of a Lease Extension case for a Dartmouth Park flat is Flat 2 27 Mackeson Road in December 2012. The Tribunal assessed the value of the lease extension premium at £35,435 and rounded the figure to £35,500 This case was in relation to 1 flat. The unexpired term was 64.77 years.