We are purchasing a flat and require a conveyancing solicitor in Midhurst who is on the Nationwide conveyancing panel. Could you point me in the right direction as regards a conveyancing firm?

Our service is limited to being a directory service for firms who wish to be listed as being on the approved conveyancing panel for Nationwide . We don't recommend any particular firms conducting conveyancing in Midhurst.

We are getting a further advance on our home loan from Kent Reliance as we wish to conduct alterations to our home in Midhurst. Are we obliged to choose a nearby Midhurst solicitor on the Kent Reliance conveyancing panel to deal with the paperwork?

Kent Reliance do not ordinarily require firms on their conveyancing panel to handle the formalities. If they do require any legal work then you would need to ensure that such a lawyer was on the Kent Reliance list.

I have decided to exercise my right to buy my property in Midhurst off the council. I have a mortgage agreed with Lloyds. Conveyancing is not something I have any knowledge of. Can I proceed without a solicitor easily? I think we can but we keep being told I should have one. Any advice?

It is not advisable to proceed with a house purchase without a solicitor. The council's solicitor are not acting for you. You need a solicitor for a number reasons. One of which is to verify what plans the Council have for repairs and refurbishment for the next five years. Many leaseholders have been stung for contributions of thousands of pounds. In any event, if you are getting a mortgage with Lloyds, you will need to appoint a solicitor on the Lloyds conveyancing panel.

RBS have agreed my home loan in principle, my bid on a house in Midhurst has been agreed to, now what?

The property agent will wish to be advised as to your lawyer's details (ensure that the lawyers are on the lender’s panel). Contact RBS or your financial adviser and finalise any appropriate paperwork. RBS will instruct a valuer who will get in contact with the estate agent or owners to arrange a slot for the valuation to happen. Once carried out (assuming no problems) it takes on average ten days for the mortgage offer to be issued. RBS will issue the offer to you and your property lawyers. The transaction will then take it’s course according the nature and complexity of the conveyancing in Midhurst.

How does conveyancing in Midhurst differ for new build properties?

Most buyers of new build or newly converted property in Midhurst approach us having been asked by the developer to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the property is built. This is because house builders in Midhurst usually purchase the land, 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 property lawyers 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 used to new build conveyancing in Midhurst or who has acted in the same development.

Over the last few months I have been searching for a ground for flat up to £235,500 and found one near me in Midhurst I like with amenity areas and railway links nearby, however it only has 61 years unexpired on the lease. I can't really find anything else in Midhurst suitable, so just wondered if I would be making a mistake acquiring a lease with such few years left?

If you need a mortgage that many years will be a potential deal breaker. Reduce the price by the anticipated lease extension will cost if it has not already been discounted. If the existing owner has owned the property for a minimum of 2 years you can ask them to start the process of the extension and then assign it to you. An additional ninety years can be extended on to the current lease and have £0 ground rent by law. You should speak to your conveyancing solicitor regarding this matter.

Can you offer any advice when it comes to finding a Midhurst conveyancing firm to carry out our lease extension conveyancing?

When appointing a property lawyer for your lease extension (regardless if they are a Midhurst conveyancing practice) it is essential that they be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of conveyancing. We recommend that you make enquires with several firms including non Midhurst conveyancing practices prior to instructing a firm. If the firm is ALEP accredited then that’s a bonus. The following questions could be useful:

Can they put you in touch with clients in Midhurst who can give a testimonial? What are the legal fees for lease extension work?

Midhurst Leasehold Conveyancing - A selection of Queries before buying

Is there a share of the freehold? Who are the managing agents? Does this lease have in excess of 85 years remaining?