I was referred a solicitor who has sent a quote for just over a thousand pound for freehold conveyancing in Longbenton. I’m hoping to sell a Victorian property for £250,000. Is this over the top? Is it in excess of the norm for conveyancing in Longbenton?
The costs illustration is slightly on the high side. Where you are willing to invest time contrasting fee on a like for like basis you could reduce the fees slightly by say £125. On the other hand, you couldcome to rue opting for an an unknown solicitor. Don't forget to enquire the firm can also act for your bank. You can use our search tool to get a quote a Longbenton conveyancing company on the lender’s conveyancing panel which can often include conveyancing solicitors in Longbenton.
When reading mumsnet.com for an affordable lawyer in Longbenton, many advise that I must instruct a CQS assured solicitor. Can you explain what CQS is?
Longbenton Conveyancing Quality Scheme law firms have obtained accreditation under the Law Society's Scheme (CQS) CQS was brought about to promote high standards in the in the legal transfer of properties. CQS helps buyers and sellers to identify solicitor firms that provide a quality residential conveyancing. Longbenton is one of the many areas in England and Wales in which CQS have a presence. The conveyancing scheme requires practices to undergo a strict assessment, compulsory training, self-certification, spot checks and annual reviews in order to maintain CQS status. It is open only to members of the Law Society who meet the demanding standards set by the scheme and has the support of the Council of Mortgage Lenders.
Me and my brother purchased a terraced Edwardian property in Longbenton. Conveyancing lawyer acted for me and Chelsea Building Society. I happened to do a free search for it on the Land Registry database and I saw a couple of entries: one for freehold, the second leasehold with the matching property. I'd like to know for sure, how can I find out??
You need to assess 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 Longbenton 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 mortgage companies. You can also check the situation with the conveyancing solicitor who conducted the purchase.
I am looking for a ground for flat up to £305k and identified one round the corner in Longbenton I like with open areas and station nearby, the downside is that it's only got 49 years unexpired on the lease. There is not much else in Longbenton in this price bracket, so just wondered if I would be making a grave error acquiring a lease with such few years left?
If you require a mortgage the shortness of the lease will be problematic. Reduce the price by the amount the lease extension will cost if not already taken into account. If the existing owner has owned the property for at least 2 years you can request that they start the process of the extension and then assign it to you. You can add 90 years to the existing lease term and have £0 ground rent by law. You should consult your conveyancing solicitor regarding this matter.
How does the Landlord & Tenant Act 1954 impact my commercial premises in Longbenton and how can your lawyers assist?
The particular law that you refer to provides a safeguard to commercial tenants, granting the a statutory right to make a request to court for a continuation of occupancy at the end of the lease term. There are certain specified grounds that a landlord can refrain from granting a lease renewal and the rules are complicated. Fees are different for commercial conveyancing. Longbenton is one of the numerous locations in which our lawyers are based