It has been four months following my purchase conveyancing in Cotham completed. I have checked the Land Registry website which shows that I paid £200,000 when infact I paid £160,000. Why the discrepancy?

The price paid figure is taken from the application to register the purchase. It is the figure included in the Transfer (the legal deed which transfers the property from one person to the other) and referred to as the 'consideration' or purchase price. You can report an error in the price paid figure using the LR online form. In most cases errors result from typos so at first glance the figure. Do report it so they can double check and advise.

How does conveyancing in Cotham differ for new build properties?

Most buyers of new build premises in Cotham contact us having been asked by the developer to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the residence is completed. This is because new home sellers in Cotham typically purchase the land, plan the estate and want to get the plots sold off as they are building the properties. Buyers, therefore, will have to exchange contracts without actually seeing the house they are buying. To reduce the chances of losing the property, buyers should instruct conveyancers as soon as the property is reserved and mortgage applications should be submitted quickly. Due to the fact that it could be several months and even years between exchange of contracts and completion, the mortgage offer may need to be extended. It would be wise to use a lawyer who specialises in new build conveyancing especially if they are accustomed to new build conveyancing in Cotham or who has acted in the same development.

Due to the guidance of my in-laws I had a survey completed on a property in Cotham prior to instructing lawyers. I have been informed that there is a flying freehold aspect to the property. My surveyor has said that some mortgage companies will refuse to give a loan on such a premises.

It varies from the lender to lender. HSBC has different instructions from Birmingham Midshires. If you e-mail us we can look into this further with the appropriate bank. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can help as they are accustomed to dealing with flying freeholds in Cotham. Conveyancing may be slightly more expensive based on your lender's requirements.

My wife and I purchased a leasehold flat in Cotham. Conveyancing and Platform Home Loans Ltd mortgage organised. I have received a letter from someone saying they have taken over the freehold. Attached was a ground rent demand for rent dating back to 1992. The conveyancing practitioner in Cotham who previously acted has long since retired. Any advice?

First make enquiries of HMLR to be sure that this person is indeed the new freeholder. There is no need to incur the fees of a Cotham conveyancing practitioner to do this as it can be done on-line for a few pound. You should note that in any event, even if this is the rightful freeholder, under the Limitation Act 1980 no more than 6 years of rent can be collected.

Cotham Leasehold Conveyancing - A selection of Questions you should consider before Purchasing

This question is helpful as a) areas may cause problems in the building as the communal areas may start to deteriorate where repairs remain unpaid b) if the leaseholders have an issue with the running of the building you will need to have all the details What is the name of the managing agents?

We are in the process of selling our flat in Cotham. Conveyancing solicitors are doing their job but we are being charged an extortionate amount from the freeholder. So far we have issued a cheque for £225 for a leasehold management pack and then a further £134.40 for answers to questions supplied by the purchaser's solicitor.

Your conveyancing practitioner will not have any say over the level of the charges for this information however the typical costs for the information for Cotham leasehold property is £395. For Cotham conveyancing deals it is standard for the seller to cover the costs. The landlord or their agents are under no statutory obligation to answer such questions most will agree to do so - albeit often at exorbitant prices out of proportion to the work involved. Unfortunately there is no statute that requires set charges for administrative tasks. There is no prescriptive time frame by which they are duty bound to provide answers.