Me and my brother own a terraced Edwardian property in Oxford. Conveyancing solicitor acted for me and . I did a free Land Registry search last week and there are a couple of entries: the first freehold, the second leasehold with the matching address. Is it worth asking to clarify?

You should read the Freehold register you have again and check the Charges Register as there may be 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 Oxford and other areas of the country and poses no real issues for owners other than when they buy they have to account for both freehold and leasehold interests when dealing with lenders. You can also enquire as to the position with your conveyancing solicitor who conducted the conveyancing.

About to purchase a new build apartment in Oxford. Conveyancing is daunting at the best of times but I have never purchased a new build flat before. Can you give me some examples of some of the questions asked in new build conveyancing.

Set out below is a sample of a selection of leasehold new build enquiries that you can expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Oxford

Where there is an Undertaking being granted there is the risk of forfeiture of the Headlease subject to relief if one or more of the Underlessees are willing to accept the original Head Lessee’s obligations as otherwise relief will be denied to the Underlessees. The only alternatives are the Head Lessor agreeing not to forfeit the Headlease or the Head Lessee guaranteeing to the Underlessees that it will not be in breach of the Headlease. Please confirm the Lease plans are surveyor prepared. Where service of notices and proceedings can be at the property demised please confirm that this can be amended to include simultaneous services at the Lessees’ solicitors’ offices where the Lessee from time to time is not resident in the UK - such solicitors may be varied by notice in writing to the Landlord from time to time but otherwise will be as previously specified. The Landlord must covenant to assume the management if the Management Company goes into liquidation or otherwise defaults in running the management scheme. There must be mutual enforceability of lessee’s covenants.

Yesterday I discovered that there is a flying freehold issue on a house I put an offer in a fortnight ago in what was supposed to be a quick, chain free conveyancing. Oxford is the location of the property. Can you offer any advice?

Flying freeholds in Oxford are not the norm but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even though you don't necessarily need a conveyancing solicitor in Oxford you must be sure that your lawyer goes through the deeds diligently. Your mortgage company may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Oxford 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 residence.

I am using a search engine for the term on line conveyancing in Oxford it reveals many conveyancersin the vicinity. How do I determine which is the right conveyancing solicitor for the sale of my house?

The best method of choosing a suitable conveyancer is via trusted testimonial, so ask colleagues and family who have purchased a property in Oxford or a reputable estate agent or mortgage broker. Costs for conveyancing in Oxford vary, so it's sensible to secure a minimum of three costs illustrations from different property lawyers. Make sure that you clarify that the fees are fixed.

There are plenty of houses in Oxford on private lanes. I am acquiring one such house. What are the pros and cons of buying a property on a privately owned road?

Oxford conveyancing practices will be well versed in conveyancing houseson unadopted roads. Your will review the title to identify any rights or liabilities. It is possible that there is a management company (wholly owned by residents) that proprietors make annual contributions for the upkeep of the road. If one exists, the road should be maintained and look nicer than council maintained.