Our Catshill conveyancer has uncovered a difference when comparing the information in the valuation survey and what is in the title deeds. My solicitor says that he is obliged to check that the bank is OK with this discrepancy and is still content to lend. Is my solicitor’s approach correct?

Your property lawyer must comply with the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook provisions which do require that your lawyer disclose any incorrect assumptions in the lender’s valuation report and the legal papers. Should you refuse to allow your lawyer to make the appropriate notification then your lawyer will have no choice but to discontinue acting for you.

Over the last few months I have been searching for a leasehold apartment up to £245,000 and identified one near me in Catshill I like with a park and transport links in the vicinity, the downside is that it's only got 49 years unexpired on the lease. I can't really find anything else in Catshill suitable, so just wondered if I would be making a grave error buying a lease with such few years left?

If you require a home loan the remaining unexpired lease term may be problematic. Reduce the offer by the anticipated lease extension will cost if not already taken into account. If the current proprietor has owned the premises for at least twenty four months you may request that they commence the lease extension formalities and then assign it to you. An additional ninety years can be extended on to the existing lease term and have £0 ground rent by law. You should speak to your conveyancing solicitor concerning this.

We are one month into a residential purchase having been recommend to conveyancers by the estate agent to handle our conveyancing in Catshill. I am not happy. Could you help me find new conveyancers?

They would need to be really bad in order to consider changing them. Has your loan offer been sent? In the event that it has you must inform them of the new contact details and get the mortgage documents are re-sent. The solicitor ideally needs to be on the banks panel to avoid escalating charges and delays. That should be your starting point. The find a solicitor tool should help you find a bank approved conveyancer for your conveyancing in Catshill

What are your top tips when it comes to finding a Catshill conveyancing practice to carry out our lease extension conveyancing?

If you are instructing a solicitor for your lease extension (regardless if they are a Catshill conveyancing firm) it is essential that he or she should be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of work. We suggest that you make enquires with two or three firms including non Catshill conveyancing practices before you instructing a firm. Where the conveyancing practice is ALEP accredited then that’s a bonus. The following questions might be of use:

What are the charges for lease extension conveyancing? Can they put you in touch with clients in Catshill who can give a testimonial?

Leasehold Conveyancing in Catshill - Examples of Queries Prior to buying

Does the lease include onerous restrictions? Its a good idea to discover as much as possible regarding the company managing the block as they can either make life much easier or uncomfortable. Being a leasehold owner you are frequently in the clutches of the managing agents both financially and when it comes to daily issues such as the tidiness of the common parts. You should not be shy to ask other people what they think of them. In conclusion, find out the dates that the maintenance fees are due to the relevant party and specifically what it includes. Best to be warned if a new roof is being put on or some other significant cost is due shortly to be shared between the leaseholders and may well dramatically increase the the maintenance charges or necessitate a specific invoice.

How and when do I cover the costs of the Stamp Duty Land Tax payable for my Catshill flat purchase?

Your solicitor will complete a Land Transaction Return Form on your behalf during your Catshill conveyancing transaction for you to sign. On completion your property lawyer will submit the STL application to the Inland Revenue and - assuming they have the funds - pay any tax bill payable on your behalf.