I used Wolstenholmes several years ago for my conveyancing in Gatley. Now, I need my documents but the law firm has closed. What do I do?

Do contact the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) to assist in tracing your conveyancing files. They can be contacted on please contact on 0870 606 2555. Alternatively, you should use their online form to make an enquiry. You will need to provide the SRA with as much information as possible to assist their search, including the name and address in Gatley of the conveyancing firm of solicitors you previously used, the name of conveyancing solicitor with whom you had dealings, and the date on which you last had dealings with the firm.

How does conveyancing in Gatley differ for newly converted properties?

Most buyers of new build premises in Gatley contact us having been asked by the developer to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the premises is finished. This is because new home sellers in Gatley tend to 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 Gatley or who has acted in the same development.

I've recently found out that there is a flying freehold element on a house I put an offer in two weeks back in what should have been a straight forward, chain free conveyancing. Gatley is the location of the property. Is there any guidance you can impart?

Flying freeholds in Gatley 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 Gatley you must be sure that your lawyer goes through the deeds thoroughly. Your bank may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Gatley may determine 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 property.

My wife and I purchased a leasehold flat in Gatley. Conveyancing and Barnsley Building Society mortgage are in place. I have received a letter from someone saying they have taken over the reversionary interest in the property. Attached was a demand for arrears of ground rent dating back to 1997. The conveyancing solicitor in Gatley who previously acted has long since retired. What should I do?

First contact the Land Registry to make sure that the individual purporting to own the freehold is in fact the new freeholder. You do not need to instruct a Gatley conveyancing lawyer to do this as you can do this on the Land Registry website for a few pound. Rest assured that regardless, even if this is the rightful freeholder, under the Limitation Act 1980 the limitation period for recovery of ground rent is six years.

Gatley Leasehold Conveyancing - Sample of Questions you should consider before buying

Best to be warned if a new roof is being installed or some other significant cost is pending that will be shared between the leasehold owners and could well dramatically impact the level of the service fees or necessitate a specific payment. How is the lease structured? Generally speaking the outlay for major works are not wrapped into the service charges, although a few managing agents in Gatley obliged leasehold owners to pay into a sinking fund created for the specific purpose of building a fund for major repairs or maintenance.

I dont have enough spare funds to pay a 10% deposit on my house purchase in Gatley , but I am keen proceed. Do I have options?

One option is to try and agree a smaller deposit. Many property owners will accept a smaller deposit or even no deposit for a first time buyer or 100% mortgage. Be aware though that if you fail to complete you will still need to hand over a minimum of 10% of the purchase price regardless of how much deposit was agreed.

You can also agree a simultaneous exchange and completion as no deposit is required for this however neither party will be tied in until completion actually takes place and it can be risky if sellers change their mind at the last minute