About to place a bid on a leasehold flat in Dunmow. The selling agents assure me that it is normal for flats in Dunmow to have less than 75 years unexpired on the lease. I am expecting a loan with Chelsea Building Society. Is this going to be a problem if the lease has 70 years left.
Most leasehold conveyancing experts should be able to deal with a lease extension. if you are securing a mortgage then your lender may insist that the lease be extended before competition. Chelsea Building Society have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook in relation to minimum unexpired lease terms. As of 26/2/2026 the requirements read as follows :
I am assisting my mother sell her flat in Dunmow. Does the conveyancer arrange the energy performance certificate or it is for me to coordinate?
Following the abolition of HIPs, energy assessments was retained a compulsory part of selling a house. An EPC must be commissioned prior to the property being marketed. This is not as aspect of the sale process that solicitors ordinarily organise. If you are instructing a Dunmow conveyancing lawyer they may be willing to arrange EPC’s due to their contacts with reputable Dunmow providers
I have today made my last payment due on my mortgage with Principality. I assume I don't need a Dunmow property lawyer on the Principality panel to discharge the mortgage at the Land Registry. Please confirm.
If you have finished paying off your Principality mortgage, they may send you evidence showing that you have paid it off. Alternatively they may notify the Land Registry directly. The Land Registry need to see this evidence before they will remove the Principality mortgage from the register. Principality, and any evidence they send you, will determine the action you need to take. In cases where no conveyancer is acting for you and you have paid off your mortgage:
- but are not moving to another property
- where Principality has sent the Land Registry the discharge electronically, and
- Principality has instructed the Land Registry to do so
The formalities of my remortgage has taken place for my property in Dunmow. Conveyancing was a necessary evil but I feel I should register my dissatisfaction about the lender. Who do I contact should I wish to lodge a complaint?
All banks and building societies have complaints procedures. Your first point of contact should be one of the lender’s branches or the Customer Care Department at head office. Ordinarily complaints to a lender are sorted out effectively and efficiently. However if you are not satisfied that the matter is not resolved you can write to Financial Ombudsman Service, South Quay Plaza, 183 Marsh Wall, London E14 9SR who will take matters further.
How does conveyancing in Dunmow differ for new build properties?
Most buyers of new build or newly converted property in Dunmow come to us having been asked by the seller to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the house is constructed. This is because builders in Dunmow tend to buy 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 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 Dunmow or who has acted in the same development.
I've recently found out that there is a flying freehold issue on a house I put an offer in last month in what was supposed to be a quick, no chain conveyancing. Dunmow is where the house is located. Is there any guidance you can give?
Flying freeholds in Dunmow are not the norm but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even though you don't necessarily need a conveyancing solicitor in Dunmow you would need to get your solicitor to go through the deeds thoroughly. Your mortgage company may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Dunmow may decide that this is not enough and that the deeds be re-written to give you the most up to date legal protection. If so, the next door neighbour also had to sign up to the revised deeds.It is possible that your lender will not accept the situation so the sooner you find out the better. You should also check with your insurance broker as to whether they will insure a flying freehold premises.
I've found a house that seems to tick a lot of boxes, at a great price which is making it all the more appealing. I have just discovered that it's a leasehold rather than freehold. I would have thought that there are particular concerns purchasing a leasehold house in Dunmow. Conveyancing solicitors have are soon to be appointed. Will my lawyers set out the risks of buying a leasehold house in Dunmow ?
Most houses in Dunmow are freehold rather than leasehold. In this scenario it’s worth having a local solicitor who is familiar with the area can assist with the conveyancing process. it is apparent that you are buying in Dunmow so you should seriously consider shopping around for a Dunmow conveyancing solicitor and check that they are used to transacting on leasehold houses. As a matter of priority you will need to check the number of years remaining. Being a leaseholder you will not be entirely free to do whatever you want to the property. The lease will likely included provisions such as requiring the freeholder’spermission to conduct alterations. It may be necessary to pay a contribution towards the upkeep of the estate where the property is part of an estate. Your lawyer will advise you fully on all the issues.