My partner and I intend to remortgage our flat in Aldersbrook with Aldermore. We have a son approaching twenty who lives with us. Our solicitor has asked us to disclose any adults other than ourselves who reside at the property. The solicitor has now sent a form for our son to sign, waiving any legal rights in the event that the property is repossessed. I have a couple of questions (1) Is this document specific to the Aldermore conveyancing panel as he never had to sign this form when we bought 5 years ago (2) In signing this form is our son in any way compromising his right to inherit the property?

On the face of it your lawyer has done nothing wrong as it is established procedure for any occupier who is aged 17 or over to sign the necessary Consent Form, which is purely to state that any rights he has in the property are postponed and secondary to Aldermore. This is solely used to protect Aldermore if the property were re-possessed so that in such circumstances, your son would be legally obliged to leave. It does not impact your son’s right to inherit the apartment. Please note that if your son were to inherit and the mortgage in favour of Aldermore had not been discharged, he would be liable to take over the loan or pay it off, but other than that, there is nothing stopping him from keeping the property in accordance with your will or the rules of intestacy.

We're in Aldersbrook, First time buyers purchasing with a mortgage (lender is Clydesdale , and our lawyer is on the Clydesdale conveyancing panel). How long should the conveyancing process take?

The fact that your lawyer is on the Clydesdale conveyancing panel is a help. It would almost certainly delay matters if they were not. However, no lawyer should guarantee a timeframe for your conveyancing, due to third parties outside of your control such as delays caused by lenders,conveyancing search providers or by the other side’s solicitors. The time taken is often determined by the number of parties in a chain.

I require expedited conveyancing in Aldersbrook as I have an ultimatum to sign on the dotted line within 3 weeks. A home loan is not required. Is it possible to decline from having conveyancing searches to save fees and time?

As you are are a mortgage free purchaser you have the choice not to do searches although no solicitor would recommend that you don't. Drawing on years of experience of conveyancing in Aldersbrook the following are examples of issues that can arise and therefore impact future saleability: Enforcement Notices, Outstanding Charges, Outstanding Grants, Railway Schemes,...

How does conveyancing in Aldersbrook differ for new build properties?

Most buyers of new build premises in Aldersbrook come to us having been asked by the developer to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the premises is finished. This is because developers in Aldersbrook usually acquire the site, 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 Aldersbrook or who has acted in the same development.

What advice can you give us when it comes to appointing a Aldersbrook conveyancing practice to carry out our lease extension conveyancing?

When appointing a conveyancer for lease extension works (regardless if they are a Aldersbrook conveyancing firm) it is most important that he or she should be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of work. We recommend that you speak with two or three firms including non Aldersbrook conveyancing practices prior to instructing a firm. If the firm is ALEP accredited then that’s a bonus. The following questions could be useful:

If the firm is not ALEP accredited then why not? What are the legal fees for lease extension work?

I have tried to negotiate informally with with my landlord to extend my lease without getting anywhere. Can one apply to the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal? Can you recommend a Aldersbrook conveyancing firm to assist?

Where there is a missing landlord or where there is dispute about the premium for a lease extension, under the relevant statutes you can apply to the LVT to judgment on the premium.

An example of a Freehold Enfranchisement case for a Aldersbrook property is 9 Granville Road in June 2014. The tribunal determines the enfranchisement price payable by the applicants for the freehold was £32,548 This case was in relation to 5 flats. The unexpired term as at the valuation date was 73.8 years.