I have recentlybeen informed that Action Conveyancing have been shut down. They conducted my conveyancing in Kinver for a purchase of a leasehold apartment 18 months ago. How can I be sure that the property is not still registered in the name of the former proprietor?

The easiest way to check if the property is registered to you, you can carry out a search of the land registry (£3.00). You can either do this yourself or ask a law firm to do this for you. If you are not registered you can seek help from one of a number of Kinver conveyancing specialists.

How does conveyancing in Kinver differ for new build properties?

Most buyers of new build property in Kinver approach us having been asked by the developer to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the house is constructed. This is because new home sellers in Kinver usually acquire the site, 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 conveyancing solicitors 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 Kinver or who has acted in the same development.

I decided to have a survey completed on a house in Kinver ahead of appointing solicitors. I have been informed that there is a flying freehold overhang to the property. Our surveyor has said that some mortgage companies tend refuse to issue a mortgage on such a house.

It varies from the lender to lender. Bank of Scotland has different requirements from Birmingham Midshires. Should you wish to telephone us we can investigate further with the relevant bank. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can assist as they are accustomed to dealing with flying freeholds in Kinver. Conveyancing may be slightly more expensive based on your lender's requirements.

What are your top tips when it comes to appointing a Kinver conveyancing practice to deal with our lease extension?

When appointing a solicitor for your lease extension (regardless if they are a Kinver conveyancing practice) it is essential that they be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of conveyancing. We advise that you speak with several firms including non Kinver conveyancing practices before you instructing a firm. If the firm is ALEP accredited then so much the better. The following questions might be helpful:

Can they put you in touch with clients in Kinver who can give a testimonial? If the firm is not ALEP accredited then why not?

Kinver Conveyancing for Leasehold Flats - A selection of Queries before Purchasing

What is the annual maintenance fee and ground rent? The best form of lease structure is where the freehold reversion is owned by the leaseholders. In this situation the tenants have being in charge if their destiny and although a managing agent is frequently retained where it is larger than a house conversion, the managing agent acts for the leaseholders themselves.

Should one remove a departed person's name from the title deeds for a house in Kinver?

If a Kinver property is co-owned and one of the owners passes away, the name will not automatically be removed from the Land Registry title. You are not required to remove their name as in the event of a disposal your lawyer would simply be required to supply proof why the other owner is missing from the transfer, such as a grant of probate.

With a view to making things smoother for the sale of the property you may arrange to have the deceased name removed from the title entries by submitting an application to HMLR with evidence of the death. There is no land registry fee payable.