Last March we completed a house move in Huntingdon. We have noticed several issues with the house which we consider were missed in the conveyancing searches. Is there anything we can do? Can you clarify the type of searches that should have been ordered as part of conveyancing in Huntingdon?

It is not clear from the question as what problems have arisen and if they are unique to conveyancing in Huntingdon. Conveyancing searches and investigations undertaken as part of the legal transfer of property are carried out to help avoid problems. As part of the process, a property owner fills in a questionnaire called a Seller’s Property Information Form. answers ends up being inaccurate, you could possibly take legal action against the seller 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 Huntingdon.

I am about to put a bid on a leasehold flat in Huntingdon. The selling agents tell me that it is normal for flats in Huntingdon to have less than 75 years unexpired on the lease. I am taking out a mortgage with Virgin. Will the property be mortgageable given that the lease has Seventy One years left.

Most leasehold conveyancing experts should be able to deal with a lease extension. if you are securing a mortgage then your lender may insist that the lease be extended before competition. Virgin have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook in relation to minimum unexpired lease terms. As of 25/7/2024 the requirements read as follows :

I decided to have a survey completed on a house in Huntingdon before appointing conveyancers. I have been advised that there is a flying freehold overhang to the property. My surveyor advised that some banks tend not issue a loan on such a home.

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

What are your top tips when it comes to finding a Huntingdon conveyancing firm to carry out our lease extension conveyancing?

When appointing a property lawyer for your lease extension (regardless if they are a Huntingdon conveyancing firm) it is imperative that he or she should be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of work. We recommend that you make enquires with several firms including non Huntingdon conveyancing practices before you instructing a firm. Where the conveyancing practice is ALEP accredited then so much the better. The following questions might be helpful:

Can they put you in touch with clients in Huntingdon who can give a testimonial?

Huntingdon Conveyancing for Leasehold Flats - Sample of Queries Prior to buying

Are there any major works in the planning that will increase the maintenance costs? Who is in charge of the building? In the main the cost for major works tend not to be incorporated into the maintenance charges, albeit that some managing agents in Huntingdon ask leasehold owners to contribute towards a reserve fund created for the specific intention of building a fund for major repairs or maintenance.

Having used your search tool I can't find the lawyer I was hoping to instruct as being on the mortgage company conveyancing panel. My lawyer has said that they are on the bank approved panel. How can I be sure given that they are not listed on your directory?

Not all firms are yet listed on our lender panel search tool which is still relatively new. Law firms are listing on a daily basis and it is probably the case that your lawyer is on the mortgage company conveyancing lawyer and you should probably take them at their word. Please do feel free to suggest that they completing their listing on our site as it would only cost them £1 a month to list themselves as being on the mortgage company solicitor panel.