We have rather assertive sellers who has recommended a preliminary agreement with a deposit 6,000. Is it wise to enter into such agreements?

Lock out contracts are contracts binding a property owner and purchaser granting the buyer a ‘clear field’ to purchase the premises within an agreed time frame. Essentially, an exclusivity agreement is a contract specifying that you should have a contract at a later time which is the main conveyancing contract. It tends to be utilised for buyer assurance though in some cases, the proprietor may enjoy an upside from such agreements as well. There are many positives and negatives to using an agreement but you need to check with your conveyancer but beware that it may result in incurring more in conveyancing charges. For this these agreements are unusual when it comes to conveyancing in Corfe Castle.

My wife and I are downsizing from our home in Corfe Castle and the buyers lawyers are claiming that there is a risk of it being built land that was not decontaminated. A local lawyer would know that there is no such problem. For the life of me I don't know why the buyers instructed an internet conveyancing firm as opposed to a conveyancing solicitor in Corfe Castle. We have lived in Corfe Castle for many years we know of no issue. Is it a good idea to contact our local Authority to seek confirmation that the buyers are looking for.

It sounds as though you may have a conveyancing solicitor currently acting for you. Are they able to advise? You need to enquire of your lawyer before you do anything. It is very possible that once the local authority has been informed of a potential issue it cannot be insured against (a bit like being diagnosed with a serious illness and then taking out life insurance to cover that same sickness)

I have justfound out that Stirling Law have been shut down. They carried out my conveyancing in Corfe Castle for a purchase of a leasehold apartment 9 months ago. How can I establish that the property is registered correctly in the name of the previous owner?

The quickest way to check if the premises is registered to you, you can carry out a search of the land registry (£3.00). You can either do this yourself or ask a law firm to do this for you. If you are not registered you can seek help from one of a number of Corfe Castle conveyancing specialists.

About to purchase a new build flat in Corfe Castle. Conveyancing is a frightening process at the best of times but I have never purchased a new build flat before. What sort of enquires would be asked in new build conveyancing.

Set out below is a sample of a selection of leasehold new build questions that you can expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Corfe Castle

Forfeiture - bankruptcy or liquidation must not apply under this provision. The Lease must contain a provision on behalf of the Vendor to pay the service charges in respect of unoccupied units in order to ensure that all services can be provided. Please supply a car parking plan. The Vendor must covenant to keep unoccupied units in good repair until long leases are granted therefore. The Landlord must covenant to assume the management if the Management Company goes into liquidation or otherwise defaults in running the management scheme.

I only have 72 years left on my flat in Corfe Castle. I now want to get lease extension but my landlord is absent. What should I do?

On the basis that you qualify, under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 you can apply to the County Court for an order to dispense with the service of the initial notice. This will enable the lease to be granted an extra 90 years by the Court. However, you will be required to demonstrate that you have made all reasonable attempts to track down the freeholder. In some cases a specialist may be helpful to conduct investigations and prepare a report to be used as evidence that the freeholder is indeed missing. It is advisable to get professional help from a property lawyer in relation to investigating the landlord’s disappearance and the application to the County Court covering Corfe Castle.

Leasehold Conveyancing in Corfe Castle - Examples of Questions you should consider before buying

How many of the leaseholders are in arrears for their maintenance charge payments? How much is the maintenance charge and ground rent on the property? Is there a share of the freehold?