It is a dozen years since I bought my house in Finchley. Conveyancing lawyers have just been appointed on the sale but I am unable to locate the title documents. Will this jeopardise the sale?
You need not be too concerned. Firstly the deeds may be retained by the mortgage company or they could still be with the solicitor who oversaw your purchase. Secondly in most cases the property will be recorded at the land registry and you will be able to establish that you are the registered owner by your conveyancing lawyers obtaining current official copies of the land registers. The vast majority of conveyancing in Finchley involves registered property but in the rare situation where your property is unregistered it adds to the complexity but is not insurmountable.
I have 70 years unexpired on my lease and need a lease extension for my flat in Finchley. Conveyancing solicitors on the Chelsea Building Society panel can deal with such extensions correct?
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 14/7/2025 the requirements read as follows :
How does conveyancing in Finchley differ for new build properties?
Most buyers of new build residence in Finchley come to us having been asked by the builder to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the premises is built. This is because developers in Finchley typically purchase 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 conveyancing solicitors 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 Finchley or who has acted in the same development.
I am using a search engine for the term conveyancing in Finchley it reveals numerous solicitorsin the vicinity. How do I determine which is the suitable conveyancing solicitor for me?
The ideal method of finding a suitable conveyancer is through a personal testimonial, so seek the opinion of friends and those you trust who have bought a property in Finchley or the local estate agent or financial adviser. Charges for conveyancing in Finchley vary, so it's sensible to obtain at least three estimates from different property lawyers. Be sure to obtain confirmation that the fees are fixed.
Is there a difference between surveying and conveyancing in Finchley?
Conveyancing - in Finchley or anywhere in England and Wales - is the legal term given to transferring legal title of property from one person to another. It therefore includes the checking of the title. Whether buying or selling, you should be aware of anything affecting the property such as proposals by government departments, illegal buildings, or outstanding rates. The conveyancer should conduct the appropriate searches and inquiries on the property. Surveying relates to the structure of a property itself. A surveyor will look at a house, flat and any outbuildings you’re buying and will help you find out about the condition of the building and, if there are problems, give you leverage for negotiating the buying price down or asking the seller to fix the problems prior to you move in.