We are expecting a mortgage offer soon. The bank mentioned the loan came with free conveyancing. Is the implication that I have to appoint their panel solicitor as I would prefer to use a specialised conveyancing solicitor in Ascot?

You should check but the the likelihood is that appoint one of their panel solicitors should you take up the "fee-free" incentive. Speak to the lender to explore if they allow a cash alternative. Some banks have previously offered a £250 cashback as a further option in which case you could put that amount towards the cost for your conveyancing solicitor in Ascot.

Are there restrictive covenants that are commonly picked up during conveyancing in Ascot?

Restrictive covenants can be picked up when reviewing land registry title as part of the legal transfer of property in Ascot. An 1874 stipulation that was seen was ‘The houses to be erected on the estate are each to be of a uniform elevation in accordance with the drawings to be prepared or approved by the vendor’s surveyor…’

How does conveyancing in Ascot differ for newly converted properties?

Most buyers of new build residence in Ascot contact us having been asked by the builder to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the premises is completed. This is because developers in Ascot tend to acquire the real estate, 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 conveyancing solicitors 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 accustomed to new build conveyancing in Ascot or who has acted in the same development.

My company is hoping to take over a lease of a shop on the high street. Can you recommend conveyancers offering fixed charges for commercial conveyancing in Ascot for below £2000?

We are happy to recommend firms who have an in-depth of experience of commercial conveyancing in Ascot, including the disposal and acquisition of businesses as well as simply property. If you are hoping to buy or dispose of a shop, pub, restaurant, office, retail unit or a whole business we can find you the right firm. As for the fees this will depend on the structure and heads of terms of the deal. Please provide us with your contact information or telephone us so that we may furnish you with a fixed commercial conveyancing quote.

Last November I purchased a leasehold property in Ascot. Am I liable to pay service charges relating to a period prior to completion of my purchase?

Where the service charge has already been demanded from the previous owner and they have not paid you would not usually be personally liable for the arrears. However, your landlord may still be able to take action to forfeit the lease. A critical element of leasehold conveyancing for your conveyancer to be sure to have an up to date clear service charge receipt before completion of your purchase. If you have a mortgage this is likely to be a requirement of your lender.

If you purchase part way through an accounting year you may be liable for charges not yet demanded even if they relate to a period prior to your purchase. In such circumstances your conveyancer would normally arrange for the seller to set aside some money to cover their part of the period (usually called a service charge retention).

Ascot Conveyancing for Leasehold Flats - Examples of Questions you should ask Prior to Purchasing

This question is helpful as a) areas can result in problems for the building as the communal areas may begin to deteriorate where services remain unpaid b) if the tenants have an issue with the managing agents you will wish to have full disclosure In the main the outlay for major works are not included within service charges, albeit that a few managing agents in Ascot require leasehold owners to contribute towards a sinking fund and this is used to offset against major works. What is the length of the lease?