We are a couple about to sign contracts for a leasehold flat in Botley. We have hit a snag. The loan offer with Barclays Direct runs out on 11/3/2026 but the owners are insisting on a completion date of 13/3/2026. Can one prolong the mortgage expiry date?

The best person to deal with your issue is your solicitors who is in a position to assess if they should be discussing with the mortgage broker, seller’s solicitors, selling agents or conceivably all parties based on the history of your transaction as of today.

Is there a reason why leasehold purchase conveyancing in Botley costs more?

In short, leasehold conveyancing in Botley and Oxfordshire usually involve additional due diligence compared to freehold transactions. This includes lease investigation, corresponding with the landlord concerning serving applicable notices, obtaining up-to-date service charge and management information, securing the freeholder’s consents and reviewing management accounts. The obligations on both the landlord and the tenant in the lease need to be studied by the buyer’s conveyancing team and read from beginning to end – regardless of the fact the lease has passed through many different property solicitors hands since it was first entered into.

I am looking for a ground for flat up to £195,000 and identified one round the corner in Botley I like with a park and transport links in the vicinity, however it's only got 51 years unexpired on the lease. There is not much else in Botley in this price bracket, so just wondered if I would be making a mistake buying a short lease?

If you require a home loan that many years will likely be problematic. Reduce the offer by the expected lease extension will cost if it has not already been discounted. If the existing owner has owned the premises for at least twenty four months you could request that they start the process of the extension and then assign it to you. You can add 90 years to the existing lease term with a zero ground rent applied. You should speak to your conveyancing solicitor concerning this matter.

How do I identify a Botley law firm on the Halifax conveyancing panel? I drive a motor bike and am happy to travel upto 10kilometers to meet the solicitor.

You can use the tool on this website. Please select a lender and your location and you will see a number of Botley conveyancing lawyers locally. We have listed some Botley conveyancing firms at the bottom of this page and you can contact them to see whether they are on the Halifax panel

What is the reason for new build conveyancing in Botley being more expensive?

Conveyancing in Botley for recently converted or new build premises often involve adoption of highways & drains, building regulations approval, planning permission, new build warranties such NHBC as well as further queries and contractual concerns.