It is a dozen years since I bought my property in Charlton. Conveyancing lawyers have just been appointed on the sale but I am unable to find the title deeds. Is this a problem?

You need not be too concerned. First there is a chance that the deeds will be with your mortgage company or they could be archived with the conveyancers who handled the purchase. Secondly in most cases the property will be registered at the land registry and you will be able to prove you are the registered owner by your conveyancing lawyers acquiring up to date copy of the land registers. Most conveyancing in Charlton relates to registered property but in the rare situation where your home is not registered it adds to the complexity but is resolvable.

Are the BSA planning on creating a searchable register to list firms on the Earl Shilton BS conveyancing panel for example in Charlton?

We are not aware of any plans on the part of the BSA to develop such a tool.

I am looking for a flat up to £305k and identified one near me in Charlton I like with amenity areas and railway links nearby, the downside is that it only has 61 years unexpired on the lease. I can't really find anything else in Charlton suitable, so just wondered if I would be making a mistake buying a short lease?

If you need a home loan the shortness of the lease will likely be an issue. Reduce the offer by the expected lease extension will cost if it has not already been discounted. If the current proprietor has owned the property for at least twenty four months you can ask them to commence the lease extension formalities and pass it to you. You can add 90 years to the existing lease with a zero ground rent applied. You should speak to your conveyancing lawyer concerning this matter.

In scouring the web for the words conveyancing in Charlton it brings up many property lawyersin the area. With so much choice what is the best way to find the right property lawyer for my move?

The preferential way of finding a suitable conveyancer is through a trusted recommendation, so ask friends and those you trust who have bought a property in Charlton or a reputable estate agent or mortgage broker. Fees for conveyancing in Charlton differ, so it's advisable to request at least three fee estimates from varying types of solicitors. Dont forget to clarify what costs in the quote includes.

I own a leasehold flat in Charlton. Conveyancing and Halifax mortgage organised. A letter has just been received from someone saying they have taken over the reversionary interest in the property. It included a ground rent demand for rent dating back to 1991. The conveyancing practitioner in Charlton who acted for me is not around. Do I pay?

First make enquiries of HMLR to make sure that this person is in fact the new freeholder. It is not necessary to instruct a Charlton conveyancing solicitor to do this as you can do this on the Land Registry website for a few pound. Rest assured that in any event, even if this is the legitimate freeholder, under the Limitation Act 1980 the limitation period for recovery of ground rent is six years.

I own a two-bedroom flat in Charlton. In the absence of agreement between myself and the landlord, can the Leasehold valuation Tribunal make a decision on the sum payable for the purchase of the freehold?

Most definitely. We can put you in touch with a Charlton conveyancing firm who can help.

An example of a Lease Extension matter before the tribunal for a Charlton property is 73 Walerand Road in August 2012. the result of the findings of the Tribunal led to a premium to be paid for the extended lease in respect of Flat 73 in the sum of £10,040. The premium applicable in respect of Flat 85 was £5,710. This case was in relation to 2 flats. The unexpired term was 72 years.