I am intent on selling our house in Croydon and according to the buyers it appears that there is a possibility that the property was constructed on contaminated land. A local conveyancer would know this is not the case. It does beg the question why the buyers are using a national conveyancing practice as opposed to a conveyancing solicitor in Croydon. We have lived in Croydon for 5 years we know of no issue. Is it a good idea to contact our local Authority to seek confirmation that there is no issue.

It sounds as though you may have a conveyancing firm currently acting for you. What do they say? You need to check with 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)

How does conveyancing in Croydon differ for new build properties?

Most buyers of new build residence in Croydon come to us having been asked by the builder to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the house is completed. This is because new home sellers in Croydon usually acquire the real estate, 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 property lawyers 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 used to new build conveyancing in Croydon or who has acted in the same development.

I was advised by a number of property agents in Croydon to find a solicitor using your seach tool. Is there a financial advantage for Estate Agents to market your site rather than alternative conveyancing organisations?

We don’t give any referral fee for directing people in our direction. We thought it would be too underhand a fee because members of the public would think, ‘How come the agent getting a kickback? Why aren’t I receiving any benefit too?’ We would prefer to grow our business on genuine recommendations.

I wish to rent out my leasehold apartment in Croydon. Conveyancing solicitor who did the purchase is retired - so can't ask her. Is permission from the freeholder required?

Some leases for properties in Croydon do contain a provision to say that subletting is only permitted with prior consent from the landlord. The landlord is not entitled to unreasonably withhold but, in such cases, they would need to see references. Experience suggests that problems are usually caused by unsatisfactory tenants rather than owner-occupiers and for that reason you can expect the freeholder to take up the references and consider them carefully before granting permission.

I purchased a leasehold flat in Croydon, conveyancing formalities finalised half a dozen years ago. Can you give me give me an indication of the likely cost of a lease extension? Similar properties in Croydon with an extended lease are worth £165,000. The average or mid-range amount of ground rent is £45 invoiced annually. The lease ceases on 21st October 50

With only 50 years remaining on your lease we estimate the premium for your lease extension to span between £36,100 and £41,800 plus plus your own and the landlord's "reasonable" professional fees.

The suggested premium range above a general guide to costs for renewing a lease, but we are not able to provide the actual costs in the absence of comprehensive investigations. Do not use the figures in tribunal or court proceedings. There are no doubt additional issues that need to be taken into account and you obviously want to be as accurate as possible in your negotiations. Please do not move forward based on this information without first getting professional advice.

What type of premises does your Croydon conveyancing estimates apply to?

Our conveyancing quotes are only applicable to standard domestic premises in England & Wales. Where you have any different requirements for example industrial or agricultural property or commercial conveyancing in Croydon please contact us to discuss this further .