Can the conveyancing lawyers via your comparison service handle attended exchange conveyancing in Melbourne?

We do have a number of conveyancing specialists who can conduct one day exchanges. Do e-mail us to get a fee calculation and details as to dates.

Our mortgage company has recommended solicitors on their panel based in Melbourne but I would rather instruct a conveyancing lawyer in Melbourne or nearer to where I live. Can you assist?

It is by no means the case that all Melbourne conveyancing firms are on all lender’s conveyancing panel. Do make use of the above find an approved solicitor tool to identify a Melbourne conveyancing solicitor on the on the bank panel.

How does conveyancing in Melbourne differ for newly converted properties?

Most buyers of new build premises in Melbourne come to us having been asked by the builder to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the house is ready to move into. This is because developers in Melbourne usually buy the real estate, 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 conveyancers 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 Melbourne or who has acted in the same development.

I am looking at a two apartments in Melbourne which have approximately fifty years unexpired on the leases. should I be concerned?

There are plenty of short leases in Melbourne. The lease is a legal document that entitles you to use the premises for a period of time. As a lease shortens the value of the lease deteriorates and it becomes more costly to acquire a lease extension. For this reason it is advisable to extend the lease term. Sometimes it is difficult to sell a property with a short lease as mortgage lenders may be reluctant to lend money on such properties. Lease enfranchisement can be a difficult process. We advise that you seek professional help from a conveyancer and surveyor with experience in this area.

I bought a 2 bed flat in Melbourne, conveyancing formalities finalised February 2008. Can you let me have an estimated range of the fair premium for a lease extension? Similar properties in Melbourne with an extended lease are worth £201,000. The average or mid-range amount of ground rent is £45 charged once a year. The lease ceases on 21st October 2084

With just 64 years unexpired the likely cost is going to be between £14,300 and £16,400 as well as plus your own and the landlord's "reasonable" professional fees.

The suggested premium range above a general guide to costs for renewing a lease, but we cannot give you a more accurate figure without more comprehensive investigations. Do not use the figures in a Notice of Claim or as an informal offer. There are no doubt other concerns that need to be considered and clearly you should be as accurate as possible in your negotiations. You should not take any other action based on this information before seeking the advice of a professional.

Being a leasehold owner I am on the hook for a maintenance fee for my appartment in Melbourne. Due to redundancy and personal issues I slipped into arrears with remittance. I negotiated a clearance schedule but there remains in the region of £1750 remaining to be paid.

I am under pressure to dispose of the property and I am panicking this can hold me back if I have to pay off the amount due first. Do I have to settle before - is this practicable?

You should speak with the solicitor carrying out your Melbourne conveyancing but it may be possible to arrange for the outstanding amount to be transferred to the buyers. The sale price payable would be adjusted to reflect the amount of debt they assume. They could then pay the fees after completion of the sale.