It is 10 years ago since I purchased my property in Longton. Conveyancing lawyers have just been appointed on the sale but I can't locate the title deeds. Is this a major issue?
You need not be too concerned. First the deeds may be kept by your mortgage company or they may be in the possession of the conveyancers who acted in the purchase. Secondly in most cases the title will be registered at the land registry and you will be able to prove you own the property by your conveyancing lawyers obtaining up to date copy of the land registers. Nearly all conveyancing in Longton relates to registered property but in the unlikely event that your property is unregistered it adds to the complexity but is not insurmountable.
I am planning to acquire a property and need a conveyancing solicitor in Longton who is on the TSB conveyancing. Could you point me in the right direction as regards a conveyancing firm?
Our service is limited to being a directory service for firms who wish to listed as being on the approved conveyancing panel for TSB in certain locations such as Longton. We dont recommend any particular firm.
I am currently in the process of buying my council flat in Longton. I have a mortgage agreed with Kent Reliance. Conveyancing is not something I have any knowledge of. Can I proceed without a solicitor easily? I think we can but we keep being told I should have one. Any advice?
It is not advisable to proceed with a house purchase without a solicitor. The council's solicitor are not acting for you. You need a solicitor for a number reasons. One of which is to verify what plans the Council have for repairs and refurbishment for the next five years. Many leaseholders have been stung for contributions of thousands of pounds. In any event, if you are getting a mortgage with Kent Reliance, you will need to appoint a solicitor on the Kent Reliance conveyancing panel.
I can not fathom if my mortgage offer obliges me to make sure the lease term for the flat is extended prior to the completion date. I have telephoned my Longton bank branch on a couple of occasions and was told they are content with the situation and they will lend. My Longton conveyancing solicitor - who is on the bank conveyancing panel- called to say that they refuse to lend in accordance with their specific requirements. Who do I believe?
Your lawyer has to comply with the Council of Mortgage Lenders’ Handbook Part 2 conditions for your bank. Unless your lawyer obtains specific confirmation in writing that the mortgage company will go ahead, your lawyer has no choice but to refrain from exchanging contract and committing you to the purchase. We would suggest that you ask the mortgage company to contact your lawyer in writing confirming that they will accept the number of years left on the lease.
Coventry BS have agreed my mortgage in principle, my offer on a flat in Longton has been agreed to, what are the next steps?
The estate agent will want to be advised as to your solicitor's details (ensure that the conveyancing practitioners are on the lender’s panel). Telephone Coventry BS or your broker and finalise any appropriate documentation. Coventry BS will appoint a valuer who will get in contact with the estate agent or owners to schedule an appointment. Once carried out (assuming no problems) it takes approximately ten days for the mortgage offer to be issued. Coventry BS will send the offer to you and your solicitors. The legal work will then take it’s course according the nature and complexity of the conveyancing in Longton.
What will a local search tell me concerning the house we're purchasing in Longton?
Longton conveyancing often commences with the submitting local authority searches directly from your local Authority or through a personal search organisations for instance Searchflow The local search plays a central role in many a Longton conveyancing purchase; that is if you wish to avoid any unpleasant surprises after you move into your new home. The search will reveal data on, amongst other things, details on planning applications relevant to the premises (whether granted or refused), building control history, any enforcement action, restrictions on permitted development, nearby road schemes, contaminated land and radon gas; in all a total of thirteen subject headings.
I am looking for a ground for flat up to £305k and identified one near me in Longton I like with a park and railway links nearby, the downside is that it's only got 49 remaining years left on the lease. I can't really find anything else in Longton for this price, so just wondered if I would be making a mistake purchasing a lease with such few years left?
If you require a mortgage that many years will likely be problematic. Reduce the offer by the expected lease extension will cost if not already taken into account. If the current owner has owned the premises for at least 2 years you can ask them to commence the lease extension formalities and pass it to you. An additional ninety years can be extended on to the current lease with a zero ground rent applied. You should consult your conveyancing lawyer about this matter.