My partner and I have recently acquired a property in Downham Market. We have noticed several issues with the house which we believe were missed in the conveyancing searches. Is there anything we can do? What searches should? have been conducted for conveyancing in Downham Market?

The question is not clear as what problems have arisen and if they are relate to conveyancing in Downham Market. Conveyancing searches and investigations initiated as part of the buying process are designed to help avoid problems. As part of the legal transfer of property, a property owner fills in a questionnaire called a Seller’s Property Information Form. If the information turns out to be misleading, you may have a misrepresentation claim against the owner for any losses that you have suffered. The survey should have identified any problems with the structure of the property. Assuming a detailed survey was carried out and the issues were not identified, you may have a claim against the surveyor. However, if you did not have a full survey, you may be responsible for fixing any defects that have now been noted. We would always encourage buyers to take every possible step to ensure they are completely aware of the condition of a property before purchase regardless of whether they are buying in Downham Market.

We see that you have a post code search directory identifying solicitors on the Clydesdale conveyancing panel. Do companies pay you a referral fee if I retain them for our own conveyancing in Downham Market?

We are a listing service only for law firms wishing to communicate if they are on the Clydesdale conveyancing panel or other lender panels. We do not charge referral fees to any conveyancer that you subsequently appoint for your conveyancing in Downham Market.

Over the last few months I have been searching for a leasehold apartment up to £195,000 and identified one round the corner in Downham Market I like with open areas and transport links in the vicinity, however it only has 51 years unexpired on the lease. I can't really find anything else in Downham Market for this price, so just wondered if I would be making a grave error purchasing a lease with such few years left?

Should you require a home loan the remaining unexpired lease term may be a potential deal breaker. Reduce the offer by the amount the lease extension will cost if it has not already been discounted. If the current owner has owned the premises for a minimum of twenty four months you can request that they commence the lease extension formalities and pass it to you. An additional ninety years can be extended on to the existing lease with a zero ground rent applied. You should speak to your conveyancing solicitor concerning this.

My husband and I are a couple of weeks into a residential purchase having been referred to solicitors by the high street agent to do our conveyancing in Downham Market. We are not happy. Could you you assist me in finding new lawyers?

A lawyer would have to be really poor to suggest changing them. Has the mortgage been sent? If so you will need to make them aware of the new contact details and get the loan are issued to the new lawyers. Your solicitor ideally needs to be on the lenders approved list to avoid supplemental costs and complications. That should be your starting point. Our find a solicitor tool will assist you in finding a bank approved solicitor for your conveyancing in Downham Market

I've found a house that seems to meet my requirements, at a reasonable figure which is making it all the more appealing. I have just been informed that it's a leasehold rather than freehold. I am assuming that there are issues purchasing a leasehold house in Downham Market. Conveyancing solicitors have not yet been instructed. Will my lawyers set out the implications of buying a leasehold house in Downham Market ?

Most houses in Downham Market are freehold rather than leasehold. In this scenario it’s worth having a local solicitor used to dealing with such properties who can assist with the conveyancing process. it is apparent that you are purchasing in Downham Market so you should seriously consider looking for a Downham Market conveyancing solicitor and be sure that they have experience in advising on leasehold houses. As a matter of priority you will need to check the unexpired lease term. As a leaseholder you will not be entirely free to do whatever you want to the property. The lease comes with conditions for example requiring the freeholder’spermission to conduct changes to the property. It may be necessary to pay a maintenance charge towards the maintenance of the estate where the house is part of an estate. Your conveyancer will appraise you on the various issues.

Downham Market Leasehold Conveyancing - A selection of Questions you should ask before buying

Can you inform me if there are any major works in the near future that will likely add a premium to the maintenance charges? Is the freehold reversion owned jointly by the tenants? Who takes responsibility for maintaining and repairing the block?