2 months have gone by since my purchase conveyancing in Aston completed. I have checked the Land Registry site which shows that I paid £150,000 when infact I paid £160,000. Why the discrepancy?

The price paid figure is taken from the application to register the purchase. It is the figure included in the Transfer (the legal deed which transfers the property from one person to the other) and referred to as the 'consideration' or purchase price. You can report an error in the price paid figure using the LR online form. In most cases errors result from typos so at first glance the figure. Do report it so they can double check and advise.

How does conveyancing in Aston differ for new build properties?

Most buyers of new build premises in Aston come to us having been asked by the housebuilder to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the premises is constructed. This is because house builders in Aston typically buy 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 accustomed to new build conveyancing in Aston or who has acted in the same development.

I'm refinancing my existing home to a buy to let mortgage with Virgin Money and I will use the ballance of the raised equity as a down payment on a second property. The location we are interested in is Aston. Will your conveyancers be able to act for both sets of banks and tie in the transactions?

Do use our search tool on this page to check that the conveyancers are on the appropriate lender panels. Assuming that they are your lawyer should be able to tie up the two deals but you should have a chat with you lawyer and specify your desired outcome and requirements.

Having checked my lease I have discovered that there are only 62 years left on my flat in Aston. I now wish to extend my lease but my freeholder is absent. What should I do?

On the basis that you meet the appropriate requirements, under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 you can apply to the County Court for an order to dispense with the service of the initial notice. This will mean that your lease can be extended by the Court. You will be obliged to demonstrate that you have used your best endeavours to locate the landlord. For most situations an enquiry agent should be useful to try and locate and prepare a report to be used as evidence that the landlord is indeed missing. It is advisable to get professional help from a conveyancer in relation to investigating the landlord’s absence and the vesting order request to the County Court covering Aston.

Aston Conveyancing for Leasehold Flats - A selection of Queries before buying

It would be prudent to enquire if there are any onerous restrictions in the lease. By way of example it is very common in Aston leases that pets are not permitted in certain buildings in Aston. If you like the propertyin Aston yet your dog is not allowed to move with you then you have a very difficult decision. How much is the yearly service fee and ground rent?

At what point do I incur stamp duty payable for my Aston house purchase?

Most property lawyers tend to complete a Land Transaction Return Form on your behalf as part of your Aston purchase transaction for you to sign. After completion your conveyancer will submit the Land Transaction application to the Tax Authorities and - assuming they have the funds - discharge any land tax liability for you.