I am told that my conveyancing solicitors will need to check that the building insurance when buying a house in West Malling. My lender is Virgin

Virgin have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook. As of 5/5/2024, the requirements read as follows :

I am the only beneficiary of my late father’s estate and I have everything in my name alone, including the house in West Malling. Conveyancing formalities meant that the Land Registry date was in April. I plan to dispose of the property. I understand that there is a Mortgage Lenders 6 month 'rule', meaning my proprietorship could be regarded the same way as if I'd bought the property in April. Is the property unsalable for six months?

The Council of Mortgage Lenders’ handbook obliges conveyancers to: "report to us immediately if the owner or registered proprietor has been registered for less than six months." Technically you might be caught by that. How sensible a view mortgage companies take of it, depend on the bank as this requirement is principally there to pick up on subsales or the flipping of property.

I am purchasing a property in West Malling. One unusual aspect is that the roof has a solar panel. Solicitors conducting should look into this right? Will my lender Skipton be concerned?

Given that your lender is Skipton your lawyer must follow the conveyancing requirements set out in Section two of UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook for Skipton. The Council of Mortgage Lenders’ Handbook stipulates minimum requirements for solar panel roof-space leases, and solicitors are required to report to Skipton where a lease does not meet these conditions. The requirements relate to the installation of panels on properties nationwide and is not restricted to West Malling.

I am expecting a DIP from Lloyds this week so we know how much we could potentially offer as otherwise we only have online calculators to go by (which aren't taking into account credit checks etc). Do Lloyds recommend any West Malling solicitors on the Lloyds conveyancing panel, or is it better to find our own lawyer?

You will need to appoint West Malling solicitors independently although you'll need to choose one on the Lloyds conveyancing panel. The solicitor represents both you and Lloyds through the process.

Due to the encouragement of my in-laws I had a survey completed on a house in West Malling ahead of retaining solicitors. I have been told that there is a flying freehold overhang to the house. The surveyor has said that some banks will not grant a mortgage on a flying freehold home.

It depends who your proposed lender is. HSBC has different instructions for example to Nationwide. Should you wish to telephone us we can check with the appropriate lender. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can help as they are used to dealing with flying freeholds in West Malling. Conveyancing may be slightly more expensive based on your lender's requirements.

I've found a house that seems to meet my requirements, at a great price which is making it more attractive. I have since been informed that it's a leasehold as opposed to freehold. I would have thought that there are particular concerns purchasing a leasehold house in West Malling. Conveyancing solicitors have are about to be instructed. Will they explain the issues?

The majority of houses in West Malling are freehold and not leasehold. This is one of the situations where having a local solicitor who is familiar with the area who can help the conveyancing process. it is apparent that you are purchasing in West Malling in which case you should be looking for a West Malling conveyancing solicitor and check that they have experience in transacting on leasehold houses. First you will need to check the unexpired lease term. Being a tenant you will not be entirely free to do whatever you want to the property. The lease comes with conditions such as obtaining the landlord’spermission to carry out alterations. You may also be required to pay a contribution towards the maintenance of the communal areas where the house is part of an estate. Your lawyer will report to you on the legal implications.

West Malling Conveyancing for Leasehold Flats - A selection of Queries before Purchasing

The answer will be useful as a) areas may cause problems for the block as the communal areas may begin to deteriorate if repairs are not paid for b) if the tenants have a dispute with the managing agents you will wish to have all the details On the whole the outlay for major works are not built into the service charges, albeit that some managing agents in West Malling obliged leaseholders to contribute towards a sinking fund and this is used to offset against larger works. How is the lease structured?

Are you able to confirm the extent of conveyancing done by West Malling conveyancing organisations?

On the whole West Malling conveyancing companies can carry out various assistance to domestic and agricultural land owners, vendors, investors, freeholders and leaseholders and you can expect them to help you with some of the following services:

Standard residential sale conveyancing in West Malling or across the country House purchase conveyancing in West Malling and beyond Adverse Possession claims where you are occupying an area of land adjacent to your property and using this as your own - advise on the potential for making a claim to ownership of that land Transfer of property after relationship breakdown Holiday and buy-to-let purchases Council House Right-to-Buy Scheme