Recently been in touch with my conveyancing lawyer in Newark who conducted the legals two years ago and wanted a conveyancing quote based on an identical type of home move (a leasehold residence and a freehold premises) of almost identical values with a loan from The Royal Bank of Scotland. I am now being quoted double. Stick with what I know or do I seek out a cheaper internet property lawyer?

The estimate fees appear a little high. If you are prepared to expend time scrutinising prices you might get the conveyancing a bit cheaper by perhaps £125. On the other hand, assuming were satisfied with the legal work the firm provided you mightcome to rue opting for an an unknown lawyer. Remember to be sure that the conveyancer can also act for The Royal Bank of Scotland. Do employ our search tool to locate a Newark conveyancing firm on the The Royal Bank of Scotland approved list of lawyers, which can often include conveyancing solicitors in Newark.

I am need of leasehold conveyancing for a flat in a relatively new development (five years old) in Newark. The vast majority the flats have already been occupied. Is it strictly necessary to order local searches as part of conveyancing in Newark?

You are taking a significant risk in refusing to carrying out Newark conveyancing searches. Without searches you have no clarity over flooding, environmental etc which may mean you walk away due to potential problems down the line. If you are buying mortgage free there is no legal requirement to have them, but we would strongly advise in no uncertain terms that your solicitor conducts them. Where accelerating the process and cost are primary concerns you should discuss with your lawyer about the option of search insurance

How does conveyancing in Newark differ for new build properties?

Most buyers of new build or newly converted property in Newark contact us having been asked by the builder to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the property is finished. This is because new home sellers in Newark usually buy the land, 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 Newark or who has acted in the same development.

Yesterday I discovered that there is a flying freehold issue on a house I have offered on two weeks back in what was supposed to be a straight forward, no chain conveyancing. Newark is the location of the property. Can you offer any assistance?

Flying freeholds in Newark are unusual but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even where you use a solicitor outside Newark you must be sure that your lawyer goes through the deeds diligently. Your bank may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Newark may decide that this is not enough and that the deeds be re-written to give you the most up to date legal protection. If so, the next door neighbour also had to sign up to the revised deeds.It is possible that your lender will not accept the situation so the sooner you find out the better. You should also check with your insurance broker as to whether they will insure a flying freehold premises.

Last April I purchased a leasehold flat in Newark. Do I have any liability for service charges relating to a period prior to my ownership?

Where the service charge has already been demanded from the previous owner and they have not paid you would not usually be personally liable for the arrears. However, your landlord may still be able to take action to forfeit the lease. A critical element of leasehold conveyancing for your conveyancer to be sure to have an up to date clear service charge receipt before completion of your purchase. If you have a mortgage this is likely to be a requirement of your lender.

If you purchase part way through an accounting year you may be liable for charges not yet demanded even if they relate to a period prior to your purchase. In such circumstances your conveyancer would normally arrange for the seller to set aside some money to cover their part of the period (usually called a service charge retention).

Newark Leasehold Conveyancing - Examples of Questions you should ask before Purchasing

What is the name of the managing agents? Does the lease have more than 80 years left? Does the lease contain onerous restrictions?