Can you suggest a HSBC Bank allowed Melbourn conveyancing practice finish our home move within two weeks? Would it be better to use a high street Melbourn solicitor or a national firm?

We can recommend some very good Melbourn conveyancing firms. You can also walk up the high street in Melbourn. Approach a couple of law practices and request to see a conveyancing solicitor for a costs illustration. Discuss your deadline together with your reasons and get a commitment on speed. Appoint the one that you trust.

I have just over seventy years left on my lease and require a lease extension for my apartment in Melbourn. Conveyancing solicitors on the Virgin panel can deal with such extensions right?

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 3/10/2024 the requirements read as follows :

How does conveyancing in Melbourn differ for newly converted properties?

Most buyers of new build residence in Melbourn approach us having been asked by the housebuilder to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the property is built. This is because house builders in Melbourn usually purchase 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 property lawyers 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 accustomed to new build conveyancing in Melbourn or who has acted in the same development.

Due to the input of my in-laws I had a survey completed on a house in Melbourn before instructing solicitors. I have been informed that there is a flying freehold element to the house. My surveyor has said that some lenders tend refuse to grant a mortgage on this type of property.

It depends who your proposed lender is. Bank of Scotland has different requirements for example to Nationwide. Should you wish to call us we can check with the relevant lender. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can help as they are used to dealing with flying freeholds in Melbourn. Conveyancing may be slightly more expensive based on your lender's requirements.

I am a negotiator for a reputable estate agency in Melbourn where we have experienced a few flat sales put at risk due to short leases. I have received contradictory information from local Melbourn conveyancing solicitors. Could you clarify whether the owner of a flat can initiate the lease extension process for the buyer?

Provided that the seller has owned the lease for at least 2 years it is possible, to serve a Section 42 notice to start the lease extension process and assign the benefit of the notice to the purchaser. The benefit of this is that the buyer can avoid having to sit tight for 2 years to extend their lease. Both sets of lawyers will agree to form of assignment. The assignment has to be done before, or at the same time as completion of the sale.

Alternatively, it may be possible to agree the lease extension with the freeholder either before or after the sale. If you are informally negotiating there are no rules and so you cannot insist on the landlord agreeing to grant an extension or transferring the benefit of an agreement to the buyer.

Melbourn Leasehold Conveyancing - Examples of Queries Prior to Purchasing

The best form of lease structure is where the freehold title is in the ownership of the leaseholders. In this situation the tenants enjoy control and even though a managing agent is usually employed where the building is larger than a house conversion, the managing agent acts for the leaseholders themselves. Who manages the building? You will want to discover as much as you can concerning the company managing the block as they will affect your use and enjoyment of the property. As the proprietor of a leasehold property you are often in the clutches of the managing agents both financially and when it comes to day to day matters such as the upkeep of the common parts. Enquire of other people whether they are happy with them. Finally, be sure you understand the dates that the maintenance fees are due to the appropriate party and precisely what it includes.