My fiancee and I are acquiring our first property. Our solicitor has calledto ask if we would like to order additional conveyancing searches. As novices we are clueless as to what's relevant for conveyancing in Clapham
The range of Clapham conveyancing searches should be triggered based entirely on the premises, the location, the possibility of any of these risks, your knowledge of the region and risks, your general approach to risk. What matters is that you properly appreciate what information the searches could provide. Then you can make a decision if you consider that you need that information. If in doubt, ask the solicitor to advise.
We're in Clapham, FTBs buying with a mortgage (lender is Bank of Ireland , and our lawyer is on the Bank of Ireland conveyancing panel). How long should the conveyancing process take?
The fact that your lawyer is on the Bank of Ireland conveyancing panel is a help. It would almost certainly delay matters if they were not. However, no conveyancer should guarantee a timeframe for your conveyancing, due to third parties outside of your control such as delays caused by lenders,conveyancing search providers or by the other side’s solicitors. The time taken is often determined by the number of parties in a chain.
I own a semi-detached Victorian property in Clapham. Conveyancing solicitor represented me and Chelsea Building Society. I did a free Land Registry search last week and there are two entries: the first freehold, another for leasehold under the exact same address. I'd like to know for sure, how can I find out??
You need to read the Freehold register you have again and check the Charges Register as there may be mention of a lease. The best way to be sure that you are also the registered owner of the leasehold and freehold title as well is to check (£3). It is not completely unheard of in Clapham and other areas of the country and poses no real issues for owners other than when they remortgage they have to account for both freehold and leasehold interests when dealing with lenders. You can also question the position with the conveyancing lawyer who conducted the purchase.
I have been sourcing a conveyancing lawyer in Clapham for my remortgage. Is there any facility to check a solicitor's record with the legal regulator?
Members of the public may review published Solicitor Regulator Association (SRA) decisions arising from inquisitions commenced on or after 1 January 2008. Visit Check a solicitor's record. For records about the period before 1 January 2008, or to check a firm's history, telephone 0870 606 2555, 08.00 - 18.00 any week day save for Tuesday when lines open at 9.30am. International callers, dial +44 (0)121 329 6800. The regulator may recorded telephone calls for training requirements.
Can you offer any advice when it comes to choosing a Clapham conveyancing practice to carry out our lease extension conveyancing?
If you are instructing a property lawyer for lease extension works (regardless if they are a Clapham conveyancing firm) it is essential that they be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of work. We recommend that you talk with several firms including non Clapham conveyancing practices prior to instructing a firm. If the firm is ALEP accredited then that’s a bonus. The following questions could be of use:
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What are the costs for lease extension work? How experienced is the firm with lease extension legislation?
I am the proprietor of a basement flat in Clapham. In the absence of agreement between myself and the freeholder, can the Leasehold valuation Tribunal make a decision on the amount payable for a lease extension?
Most certainly. We can put you in touch with a Clapham conveyancing firm who can help.
An example of a Freehold Enfranchisement decision for a Clapham property is 23 Chelsham Road in May 2013. the Tribunal found that the sum of £13,870.00 was payable for the freehold following a vestig order having been granted by Swansea County Court dated 1st March 2013 This case was in relation to 3 flats. The unexpired term was 99 years.