I was recommended to a solicitor who has quoted just over a thousand pound for leasehold conveyancing in Knaphill. I’m looking to sell a Victorian detached home for £300,000. Is this overpriced? Is it above the norm for conveyancing in Knaphill?

The charges are a tad high. Where you are willing to spend time scrutinising prices you might decrease the fees marginally by perhaps £125. That being said, you couldlive to rue choosing an a cheaper solicitor. Remember to check the solicitor can act for your mortgage company. You can use our comparison tool to select a Knaphill conveyancing company on the lender’s approved list of lawyers which can often include conveyancing solicitors in Knaphill.

My brother and I have lately purchased a house in Knaphill. We have since encountered a number of problems with the property which we believe were overlooked in the conveyancing searches. What action can we take? Can you clarify the type of searches that should have been ordered as part of conveyancing in Knaphill?

The query is not clear as to the nature of the problems and if they are specific to conveyancing in Knaphill. Conveyancing searches and investigations initiated during the buying process are carried out to help avoid problems. As part of the legal transfer of property, a seller fills in a questionnaire referred to as a SPIF. If the information is misleading, then you may have a claim against the owner for any losses that you have suffered. The survey should have identified any problems with the structure of the property. Assuming a detailed survey was carried out and the issues were not identified, you may have a claim against the surveyor. However, if you did not have a full survey, you may be responsible for fixing any defects that have now been noted. We would always encourage buyers to take every possible step to ensure they are completely aware of the condition of a property before purchase regardless of whether they are buying in Knaphill.

I have been told that property searches are the number one reason for obstruction in Knaphill house deals. Is there any truth in this?

The Council of Property Search Organisations (CoPSO) has noted the findings of research by MoveWithUs that conveyancing searches do not figure amongst the most frequent causes of delays during the legal transfer of property. Local searches are unlikely to feature in any slowing down conveyancing in Knaphill.

My wife and I own a 4 bedroom Victorian property in Knaphill. Conveyancing solicitor represented me and Barclays . I happened to do a free search for it on the Land Registry database and there are a couple of entries: one for freehold, another for leasehold under the exact same property. I'd like to know for sure, how can I find out??

You need to assess the Freehold register you have again and check the Charges Register as there may be mention of a lease. The best way to be sure that you are also the registered proprietor of the leasehold and freehold title as well is to check (£3). It is not completely unheard of in Knaphill and other areas of the country and poses no real issues for owners other than when they remortgage they have to account for both freehold and leasehold interests when dealing with purchasers. You can also enquire as to the situation with your conveyancing lawyer who conducted the purchase.

I today plan to offer on a house that seems to meet my requirements, at a reasonable price which is making it all the more appealing. I have subsequently found out that the title is leasehold as opposed to freehold. I am assuming that there are issues buying a leasehold house in Knaphill. Conveyancing advisers have are about to be instructed. Will they explain the issues?

The majority of houses in Knaphill are freehold and not leasehold. In this scenario it’s worth having a local conveyancer who is familiar with the area who can help the conveyancing process. We note that you are buying in Knaphill so you should seriously consider looking for a Knaphill 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 lessee you will not be entirely free to do whatever you want to the property. The lease comes with conditions such as requiring the freeholder’spermission to carry out alterations. You may also be required to pay a maintenance charge towards the maintenance of the estate where the property is part of an estate. Your solicitor will appraise you on the various issues.

I acquired a 2 bed flat in Knaphill, conveyancing was carried out 6 years ago. Can you please calculate a probable premium for a statutory lease extension? Corresponding properties in Knaphill with an extended lease are worth £206,000. The average or mid-range amount of ground rent is £45 invoiced every year. The lease runs out on 21st October 2090

With only 66 years unexpired the likely cost is going to span between £11,400 and £13,200 as well as plus your own and the landlord's "reasonable" professional fees.

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 tribunal or court proceedings. There may be other issues that need to be considered and clearly you want to be as accurate as possible in your negotiations. Please do not take any other action based on this information before getting professional advice.