I went with a High Holborn based solicitor for our conveyancing in High Holborn recently. Upon checking the Terms and Conditions it is apparent thatwe are responsible for costs even if the movedoes not happen. Should I go with them or select an on-line solicitor practice offering no move no charge conveyancing in High Holborn?

Generally there is a concession along the lines that if "No Sale No Fee" is offered then the fee levels will tend to be be higher to counteract the transactions that do not proceed. Also remember that these offerings generally do not protect you from expenses for instance High Holborn conveyancing search charges.

Last April we completed a house move in High Holborn. We have since encountered a number of problems with the house which we believe were omitted in the conveyancing searches. What action can we take? What searches should? have been conducted for conveyancing in High Holborn?

It is not clear from the question as what problems have arisen and if they are relate to conveyancing in High Holborn. Conveyancing searches and investigations undertaken as part of the legal transfer of property are designed to help avoid problems. As part of the process, a property owner answers a document known as a Seller’s Property Information Form. If the information turns out to be incorrect, you could possibly take legal action against the owner for any losses that you have suffered. The survey should have identified any problems with the structure of the property. Assuming a detailed survey was carried out and the issues were not identified, you may have a claim against the surveyor. However, if you did not have a full survey, you may be responsible for fixing any defects that have now been noted. We would always encourage buyers to take every possible step to ensure they are completely aware of the condition of a property before purchase regardless of whether they are buying in High Holborn.

I am close to exchanging contracts on the sale of our property in High Holborn and the buyers lawyers are claiming that there is a possibility that the property was built land that was not decontaminated. A high street High Holborn lawyer would know this is not the case. For the life of me I don't know why the buyers instructed a factory type conveyancing practice rather than a conveyancing solicitor in High Holborn. Having lived in High Holborn for many years we know that this is a non issue. Is it a good idea to get in touch with our local Authority to obtain confirmation that there is no issue.

It sounds as though you may have a conveyancing firm currently acting for you. Are they able to advise? You should enquire of 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 life insurance to cover that same illness)

I own a 4 bedroom Victorian house in High Holborn. Conveyancing practitioner represented me and HSBC Bank. I did a free Land Registry search last week and I saw a couple of entries: one for freehold, the second leasehold under the exact same property. I'd like to know for sure, how can I find out??

You should review the Freehold register you have again and check the Charges Register for mention of a lease. The best way to be sure that you are also the registered owner of the leasehold and freehold title as well is to check (£3). It is not completely unheard of in High Holborn and other areas of the country and poses no real issues for owners other than when they sell they have to account for both freehold and leasehold interests when dealing with purchasers. You can also enquire as to the situation with the conveyancing practitioner who completed the work.

I am attracted to a two apartments in High Holborn which have about forty five years unexpired on the leases. Will this present a problem?

There is no doubt about it. A leasehold apartment in High Holborn is a wasting asset as a result of the shortening lease. The closer the lease gets to its expiry date, the more it reduces the marketability of the property. The majority of purchasers and mortgage companies, leases with less than 75 years become less and less marketable. On a more upbeat note, leaseholders can extend their leases by serving a Section 42 Notice. One stipulation is that they must have owned the property 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 High Holborn 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 the agreed 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 am the proprietor of a garden flat in High Holborn. In the absence of agreement between myself and the freeholder, can the Leasehold valuation Tribunal make a decision on the amount due for the purchase of the freehold?

Absolutely. We are happy to put you in touch with a High Holborn conveyancing firm who can help.

An example of a Lease Extension matter before the tribunal for a High Holborn premises is Flat 89 Trinity Court Grays Inn Road in February 2013. the Tribunal found that the premium to be paid by the tenant on the grant of a new lease, in accordance with section 56 and Schedule 13 to the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 should be £36,229. This case affected 1 flat. The number of years remaining on the existing lease(s) was 66.8 years.