I am close to exchanging contracts on the sale of our house in Hathern and according to the buyers it appears that there is a risk of it being built on contaminated land. Any high street Hathern lawyer would know this is not the case. It does beg the question why the buyers instructed a national conveyancing practice as opposed to a conveyancing solicitor in Hathern. Having lived in Hathern for 5 years we know of no issue. Is it a good idea to contact our local Authority to get clarification need.

It would appear that you have a conveyancing solicitor currently acting for you. Are they able to advise? You must check with your lawyer before you do anything. It is very possible that once the local authority has been informed of a potential issue it cannot be insured against (a bit like being diagnosed with a serious illness and then taking out life insurance to cover that same illness)

Do I need to be wary that brokers that I am dealing with are encouraging me to use a web based conveyancing firm as opposed to a High Street Hathern conveyancing firm?

As with many service providers, often recommendations from family and friends can be very helpful. Yet there are numerous people with a keen interest in a conveyancing transaction; estate agents, mortgage brokers and lenders might all suggest conveyancers to retain. Sometimes these lawyers might be known to one of the organisations as experts in their field, but occasionally there behind the scenes financial incentive behind the endorsement. You are free to appoint your preferred conveyancer. Don't forget that many banks operate an approved list of solicitors you must use for the lender related work in your home move.

I need to appoint a conveyancing solicitor for some conveyancing in Hathern. I've land on a site which seems to have the ideal answer If it is possible to get all the legals done via web that would be ideal. Should I be concerned? What are the potential pitfalls?

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?

Last November I purchased a leasehold house in Hathern. Am I liable to pay service charges relating to a period prior to my ownership?

Where the service charge has already been demanded from the previous owner and they have not paid you would not usually be personally liable for the arrears. However, your landlord may still be able to take action to forfeit the lease. A critical element of leasehold conveyancing for your conveyancer to be sure to have an up to date clear service charge receipt before completion of your purchase. If you have a mortgage this is likely to be a requirement of your lender.

If you purchase part way through an accounting year you may be liable for charges not yet demanded even if they relate to a period prior to your purchase. In such circumstances your conveyancer would normally arrange for the seller to set aside some money to cover their part of the period (usually called a service charge retention).

I inherited a split level flat in Hathern, conveyancing having been completed half a dozen years ago. How much will my lease extension cost? Corresponding flats in Hathern with over 90 years remaining are worth £190,000. The average or mid-range amount of ground rent is £65 levied per year. The lease expires on 21st October 2085

With only 61 years left to run we estimate the premium for your lease extension to range between £19,000 and £22,000 plus legals.

The suggested premium range above a general guide to costs for extending a lease, but we are not able to provide a more accurate figure in the absence of detailed due diligence. Do not use the figures in a Notice of Claim or as an informal offer. There are no doubt additional concerns that need to be considered and clearly you should be as accurate as possible in your negotiations. You should not take any other action placing reliance on this information without first seeking the advice of a professional.

I am hoping to put an offer on a small detached house that appears to be perfect, at a reasonable figure which is making it more attractive. I have since discovered that it's a leasehold as opposed to freehold. I am assuming that there are particular concerns buying a house with a leasehold title in Hathern. Conveyancing advisers have are about to be appointed. Will my lawyers set out the implications of buying a leasehold house in Hathern ?

Most houses in Hathern are freehold rather than leasehold. In this scenario it’s worth having a local conveyancer used to dealing with such properties who can assist with the conveyancing process. It is clear that you are purchasing in Hathern so you should seriously consider shopping around for a Hathern conveyancing solicitor and be sure that they are used to transacting on leasehold houses. As a matter of priority you will need to check the unexpired lease term. Being a leaseholder you will not be entirely free to do whatever you want with the house. The lease will likely included provisions for example requiring the landlord’spermission to carry out alterations. You may also be required to pay a contribution towards the upkeep of the communal areas where the property is located on an estate. Your lawyer will report to you on the legal implications.