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

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

I am considering applying for a Clydesdale mortgage for purchase of a newly converted (under development) in Harlow with 65 per cent LTV. Is it compulsory to choose a solicitor on the conveyancing panel for Clydesdale ?

In theory, you could use a solicitor that is not on the Clydesdale conveyancing panel, but Clydesdale would require one of their panel solicitors to be instructed to act in their interests, and you'd have to pay for this - so most people instruct a panel solicitor. It's also easier, as otherwise you'd have to deal with two solicitors for the same transaction.

Due to the advice of my in-laws I had a survey completed on a house in Harlow prior to appointing conveyancers. I have been advised that there is a flying freehold aspect to the house. My surveyor advised that some mortgage companies tend not issue a loan on this type of property.

It depends who your proposed lender is. Santander has different instructions from Birmingham Midshires. Should you wish to call us we can check via the appropriate mortgage company. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can assist as they are accustomed to dealing with flying freeholds in Harlow. Conveyancing may be slightly more expensive based on your lender's requirements.

I'm refinancing my existing property to a buy to let loan with Accord Mortgages Ltd and I will use the rest of the raised equity as a deposit on further property. The neighborhood we are talking about is Harlow. Will your solicitors be able to act for the two lenders and link together the conveyances?

Do use our search tool on this site to be sure that the conveyancers are on the appropriate lender panels. On the basis that they are the lawyer will be able to simultaneously deal with the two transactions but you should talk with you solicitor and make clear your expectations and needs.

I am tempted by the attractive purchase price for a couple of flats in Harlow both have in the region of fifty years remaining on the lease term. Do I need to be concerned?

There is no doubt about it. A leasehold flat in Harlow is a wasting asset as a result of the shortening lease. The nearer the lease gets to its expiry date, the more it reduces the value of the property. The majority of purchasers and mortgage companies, leases with less than 75 years become less and less attractive. On a more positive note, leaseholders can extend their leases by serving a Section 42 Notice. One stipulation is that they must have owned the premises for two years (unlike a Section 13 notice for purchasing the freehold, when leaseholders can participate from day one of ownership). When successful, they will have the right to an extension of 90 years to the current term and ground rent is effectively reduced to zero. Before moving forward with a purchase of a residence with a short lease term remaining you should talk to a solicitor specialising in lease extensions and leasehold enfranchisement. We are are happy to put you in touch with Harlow conveyancing experts who will explain the options available to you during an initial telephone conversation free of charge. More often than not it is possible to negotiate informally with the freeholder to extend the lease. You may find he or she is happy to negotiate informally and willing to consider your offer straight off, without having to involve anyone else. This will save you time and money and it could help you reach a lower price on the lease. You need to ensure that any new terms represent good long-term value compared with the standard benefits of the Section 42 Notice and that onerous clauses are not inserted into any redrafting of the lease.

I inherited a basement flat in Harlow, conveyancing formalities finalised April 2008. Can you please calculate a probable premium for a statutory lease extension? Equivalent properties in Harlow with an extended lease are worth £191,000. The average or mid-range amount of ground rent is £55 per annum. The lease finishes on 21st October 2076

With only 53 years unexpired the likely cost is going to be between £27,600 and £31,800 as well as costs.

The figure above a general guide to costs for renewing a lease, but we are not able to advice on the actual costs without more comprehensive investigations. Do not use this information in a Notice of Claim or as an informal offer. There may be other concerns that need to be considered and you obviously want to be as accurate as possible in your negotiations. Neither should you move forward placing reliance on this information without first getting professional advice.