Are the West Dean conveyancing solicitors identified as being on the Co-operative conveyancing panel, together with their details provided by Co-operative?

West Dean conveyancing firms themselves provide us confirmation that they are on the Co-operative conveyancing panel as opposed to being supplied with a list from Co-operative directly.

I am told that my conveyancing solicitors will need to check that the building insurance for my purchase of a house in West Dean. My lender is The Mortgage Works

The Mortgage Works have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook. As of 29/4/2024, the requirements read as follows :

About to purchase a new build flat in West Dean. 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 are examples of a selection of leasehold new build questions that you can expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in West Dean

Has the Lease plan been approved by the Land Registry and if not when will they be lodged for this purpose? Will control of the Management Company (if any) be handed over to purchasers on completion of the last sale or earlier? The Vendor must covenant to keep unsold units in good repair until long leases are granted therefore. Forfeiture - bankruptcy or liquidation must not apply under this provision. Where there is an Undertaking being granted there is the risk of forfeiture of the Headlease subject to relief if one or more of the Underlessees are willing to accept the original Head Lessee’s obligations as otherwise relief will be denied to the Underlessees. The only alternatives are the Head Lessor agreeing not to forfeit the Headlease or the Head Lessee guaranteeing to the Underlessees that it will not be in breach of the Headlease.

What advice can you give us when it comes to choosing a West Dean conveyancing practice to deal with our lease extension?

When appointing a conveyancer for your lease extension (regardless if they are a West Dean conveyancing firm) it is essential that they be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of conveyancing. We suggest that you speak with several firms including non West Dean conveyancing practices before you instructing a firm. If the firm is ALEP accredited then so much the better. The following questions could be helpful:

Can they put you in touch with clients in West Dean who can give a testimonial?

I am the registered owner of a studio flat in West Dean, conveyancing was carried out in 1999. How much will my lease extension cost? Comparable flats in West Dean with a long lease are worth £180,000. The ground rent is £65 levied per year. The lease comes to an end on 21st October 2083

You have 59 years remaining on your lease we estimate the price of your lease extension to be between £20,900 and £24,200 plus plus your own and the landlord's "reasonable" professional fees.

The suggested premium range above a general guide to costs for renewing a lease, but we cannot give you the actual costs without more comprehensive investigations. Do not use the figures in a Notice of Claim or as an informal offer. There are no doubt other issues that need to be taken into account and you obviously want to be as accurate as possible in your negotiations. Please do not move forward based on this information without first seeking the advice of a professional.

Developers have recommended to me a conveyancer and I've received an estimate from them. They are almost £400 cheaper than my local West Dean conveyancing practitioner. Should I use them?

Builders normally have panels of solicitors who are quick and who know the developer’s paperwork and property lawyer. Plenty of developers offer an inducement to choose a preferred conveyancing practitioner for this reason, any increased charges can be avoided and a builder won't recommend a conveyancing factory and run the risk of having the transaction delayed when they demand an exchange within a tight deadline. The argument for not opting for the recommended property lawyer is that they may be unwilling to 'push' your interests at the risk of alienating the housebuilder. Where you have concerns that this may be the case you should keep with your local West Dean conveyancing practitioner.