We're in Hexham, FTBs buying with a mortgage (lender is , and our solicitor is on the conveyancing panel). How long should the conveyancing process take?

The fact that your lawyer is on the conveyancing panel is a help. It would almost certainly delay matters if they were not. However, no should guarantee a timeframe for your conveyancing, due to third parties outside of your control such as delays caused by lenders,conveyancing search providers or by the other side’s solicitors. The time taken is often determined by the number of parties in a chain.

Just had an offer accepted on a new build flat in Hexham. Conveyancing is a frightening process at the best of times but I have never purchased a new build flat before. What sort of enquires would be asked in new build conveyancing.

Set out below are examples of a selection of leasehold new build questions that you should expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Hexham

Please provide evidence that the form of Lease proposed has been approved by the Land Registry. The Lease must contain a provision on behalf of the Vendor to pay the service charges in respect of unoccupied units in order to ensure that all services can be provided. Please supply a car parking plan. Forfeiture - bankruptcy or liquidation must not apply under this provision.

Due to the input of my in-laws I had a survey completed on a property in Hexham ahead of instructing conveyancers. I have been told that there is a flying freehold aspect to the house. Our surveyor advised that some lenders tend refuse to grant a mortgage on this type of house.

It varies from the lender to lender. Santander has different requirements for example to Halifax. Should you wish to telephone us we can look into this further with the relevant lender. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can help as they are accustomed to dealing with flying freeholds in Hexham. Conveyancing will be smoother if you use a solicitor in Hexham especially if they are acquainted with such properties in Hexham.

I need to appoint a conveyancing solicitor for freehold conveyancing in Hexham. I happened to discover a web site which looks to be the ideal offering If there is a chance to get all the legals completed via web that would be preferable. Do I need to be wary? What are the potential pitfalls?

As usual with these online conveyancers you need to read ALL the small print - did you notice the extra charge for dealing with the mortgage?

I have just started marketing my ground floor flat in Hexham. Conveyancing has not commenced, however I have just received a yearly service charge demand – should I leave it to the buyer to sort out?

Your conveyancing lawyer is likely to suggest that you should clear the maintenance contribution as usual given that all ground rent and maintenance invoices will be apportioned on completion, so you should recover the relevant percentage by the purchaser for the period running from after the completion date to the next payment date. Most management companies will not acknowledge the buyer unless the service charges have been paid and are up to date, so it is important for both buyer and seller for the seller to show that they are up to date. This will smooth the conveyancing process.

Hexham Leasehold Conveyancing - Sample of Queries before Purchasing

What is the service charge and ground rent on the flat? Many Hexham leasehold apartments will incur a service charge for maintenance of the block invoiced on behalf of the landlord. Should you purchase the property you will have to pay this charge, normally quarterly throughout the year. This could be anything from several hundred pounds to thousands of pounds for buildings with lifts and large common grounds. In all likelihood there will be a rentcharge to be met yearly, this is usually not a large amount, say about £50-£100 but you should to enquire it because occasionally it could be many hundreds of pounds. Its a good idea to find out as much as possible concerning the managing agents as they will impact your use and enjoyment of the property. Being a leasehold owner you are often at the mercy of the managing agents from a financial perspective and when it comes to every day matters like the cleanliness of the communal areas. Enquire of prospective neighbours if they are happy with their service. On a final note, be sure you understand the dates that the service charges are due to the managing agents and specifically what you get for your money.