We are selling our house in Henleaze and the buyers lawyers are claiming that there is a risk of it being built land that was not decontaminated. A high street Henleaze lawyer would know this is not the case. It does beg the question why the buyers instructed a web based conveyancing firm rather than a conveyancing solicitor in Henleaze. Having lived in Henleaze for six years we know that this is a non issue. Is it a good idea to get in touch with our local Authority to seek clarification that there is no issue.

It sounds as though you may have a conveyancing solicitor currently acting for you. What do they say? You need to check with your lawyer before you do anything. It is very possible that once the local authority has been informed of a potential issue it cannot be insured against (a bit like being diagnosed with a serious illness and then taking out health insurance to cover that same ailment)

How does conveyancing in Henleaze differ for newly converted properties?

Most buyers of new build premises in Henleaze come to us having been asked by the seller to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the residence is constructed. This is because builders in Henleaze usually 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 used to new build conveyancing in Henleaze or who has acted in the same development.

I have been on the look out for a ground for flat up to £245,000 and found one round the corner in Henleaze I like with open areas and station in the vicinity, the downside is that it only has 52 years on the lease. I can't really find anything else in Henleaze for this price, so just wondered if I would be making a grave error purchasing a lease with such few years left?

If you need a mortgage that many years will likely be problematic. Reduce the price by the expected lease extension will cost if not already taken into account. If the current owner has owned the premises for at least twenty four months you could ask them to start the process of the extension and then assign it to you. An additional ninety years can be extended on to the existing lease term and have £0 ground rent by law. You should speak to your conveyancing solicitor about this.

I am downsizing from my house. My past lawyers have shut. I would be grateful for any recommendation of a conveyancing firm. Im based in Henleaze if that makes a difference.

Do use our search tool to help you find a solicitor for your conveyancing in Henleaze. We have connected thousands of home buyers and sellers with regulated solicitors to ensure that the legalities of their house move runs smoothly.

I wish to rent out my leasehold apartment in Henleaze. Conveyancing solicitor who did the purchase is retired - so can't ask him. Do I need to ask my freeholder for their consent?

A lease governs the relationship between the freeholder and you the leaseholder; in particular, it will indicate if subletting is prohibited, or permitted but only subject to certain conditions. The accepted inference is that if the lease contains no specific ban or restriction, subletting is permitted. The majority of leases in Henleaze do not contain subletting altogether – such a clause would undoubtedly devalue the property. In most cases there is a basic requirement that the owner notifies the freeholder, possibly supplying a copy of the tenancy agreement.

Leasehold Conveyancing in Henleaze - A selection of Questions you should consider before buying

What is the length of the lease? Best to be warned whether window replacement or some other significant cost is due in the near future that will be shared by the tenants and may well dramatically increase the the maintenance fees or require a one off payment. Many Henleaze leasehold properties will have a service charge for the upkeep of the block invoiced on behalf of the management company. Should you buy the flat you will have to meet this amount, usually quarterly during the year. This could differ from several hundred pounds to thousands of pounds for buildings with lifts and large common grounds. There will also be a rentcharge to be met yearly, this is usually not a significant sum, say about £50-£100 but you need to enquire as occasionally it can be surprisingly expensive.