Recently contacted my conveyancing lawyer in Helsby who acted for me 18 months ago asking for a conveyancing estimate based on an identical type of house move (a leasehold residence and a freehold property) of almost identical values with a mortgage from Godiva Mortgages Ltd. It looks as though am now being quoted double. Am I right to be tempted to shop around for a cheaper internet firm of conveyancing solicitor?

The costs illustration is slightly on the steep side. If you you were to look around you might shave off some of the expense by perhaps £125. On the other hand, if you were satisfied with the assistance the firm offered you maylive to regret opting for an an unknown lawyer. Remember to enquire that the conveyancer can act for Godiva Mortgages Ltd. You can employ our search tool to choose a Helsby conveyancing firm on the Godiva Mortgages Ltd approved list of lawyers, which can often include conveyancing solicitors in Helsby.

I have an AIP. The bank mentioned the loan came with free conveyancing. Does this mean I have to appoint their panel solicitor as I would prefer to appoint a Helsby based conveyancing firm?

You should check but the the likelihood is that appoint one of their panel lawyers if you accept the "fee-free" incentive. Speak to the lender to ask if they allow a monetary alternative. In the past a few lenders offered a £250 cashback as an alternative in which case you could put that amount towards your preferred conveyancing solicitor in Helsby.

Due to the guidance of my in-laws I had a survey completed on a house in Helsby before retaining lawyers. I have been told that there is a flying freehold element to the house. My surveyor has said that some lenders may refuse to issue a mortgage on such a premises.

It varies from the lender to lender. Bank of Scotland has different requirements for example to Halifax. Should you wish to call us we can check via the relevant bank. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can assist as they are used to dealing with flying freeholds in Helsby. Conveyancing may be slightly more expensive based on your lender's requirements.

I have been pointed in your direction by three or four local estate agents in Helsby to get a quote from a property lawyer using your seach tool. Is there a financial upside for Estate Agents to market your lawyers over another?

We don’t make any financial incentive for sending work to this site. We thought it would be too underhand a fee because a client could think, ‘How come the agent getting a kickback? Why aren’t I getting any benefit too?’ So we decided to step away from that.

I am employed by a reputable estate agent office in Helsby where we see a few leasehold sales jeopardised due to leases having less than 80 years remaining. I have received conflicting advice from local Helsby conveyancing solicitors. Could you clarify whether the owner of a flat can initiate the lease extension process for the purchaser on completion of the sale?

As long as the seller has owned the lease for at least 2 years it is possible, to serve a Section 42 notice to commence the lease extension process and assign the benefit of the notice to the purchaser. This means that the buyer can avoid having to sit tight for 2 years for a lease extension. Both sets of lawyers will agree to form of assignment. The assignment needs to be completed prior to, or simultaneously with completion of the disposal of the property.

Alternatively, it may be possible to extend the lease informally by agreement with the landlord either before or after the sale. If you are informally negotiating there are no rules and so you cannot insist on the landlord agreeing to grant an extension or transferring the benefit of an agreement to the buyer.

Helsby Conveyancing for Leasehold Flats - Sample of Queries before buying

Best to be warned whether fixing the lift or some other significant cost is due shortly to be shared between the leaseholders and will dramatically increase the the maintenance charges or necessitate a specific invoice. Are there any major works in the planning that could increase the maintenance costs?