Are the Basingstoke conveyancing solicitors identified as being on the Kent Reliance conveyancing panel, together with their details provided by Kent Reliance?

Basingstoke conveyancing firms themselves provide us confirmation that they are on the Kent Reliance conveyancing panel as opposed to being supplied with a list from Kent Reliance directly.

I am considering applying for a Nationwide mortgage for purchase of a newly converted (under development) in Basingstoke with 70% LTV. Is it compulsory to choose a solicitor on the conveyancing panel for Nationwide ?

There is nothing to stop you using your solicitor, but Nationwide will insist on their interests being represented by a firm on their conveyancing panel. There is much more potential for delays and confusion with an additional lawyer added to the mix, and it will undoubtedly be more expensive too.

I have been on the look out for a flat up to £305k and found one round the corner in Basingstoke I like with amenity areas and railway links in the vicinity, however it only has 51 years on the lease. There is not much else in Basingstoke suitable, so just wondered if I would be making a mistake buying a lease with such few years left?

Should you require a home loan that many years will be an issue. Reduce the price by the anticipated lease extension will cost if not already taken into account. If the current owner has owned the premises for at least twenty four months you could ask them to start the process of the extension and pass it to you. You can add 90 years to the existing lease and have £0 ground rent by law. You should consult your conveyancing lawyer regarding this.

Should I use a Basingstoke conveyancing practitioner based in the area that I am purchasing? I have an old university friend who can conduct the legal formalities however his firm is located 200kilometers away.

The benefit of a high street Basingstoke conveyancing practice is that you can pop in to execute paperwork, deliver your ID and pester them where appropriate. They will also have local knowledge which is a bonus. That being said it's more important to get someone that will do a good and efficient job. If if people you trust used your friend and in the main were content that should outweigh using an unknown Basingstoke conveyancing lawyer just because they are Basingstoke based.

My wife and I purchased a leasehold flat in Basingstoke. Conveyancing and The Royal Bank of Scotland mortgage went though with no issue. A letter has just been received from someone saying they have taken over the freehold. Attached was a demand for arrears of ground rent dating back to 1992. The conveyancing practitioner in Basingstoke who acted for me is not around. Do I pay?

First make enquiries of HMLR to be sure that the individual claiming to own the freehold is indeed the registered owner of the freehold reversion. It is not necessary to incur the fees of a Basingstoke conveyancing practitioner to do this as it can be done on-line for a few pound. You should note that regardless, even if this is the legitimate landlord, under the Limitation Act 1980 the limitation period for recovery of ground rent is six years.

Basingstoke Conveyancing for Leasehold Flats - Sample of Queries before buying

Is anyone aware of any major works anticipated that will likely add a premium to the service fees? What prohibitions are there in the Basingstoke Lease? How much is the yearly maintenance fee and ground rent?