I am about to put an offer on a leasehold property in Ponders End. The selling agents assure me that it is usual for flats in Ponders End to have less than 75 years remaining. I am taking out a loan with Chelsea Building Society. Is this going to be acceptable if the lease has Seventy One years to go.
Most leasehold conveyancing experts should be able to deal with a lease extension. if you are obtaining a mortgage then your lender may insist that the lease be extended before competition. Chelsea Building Society have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook in relation to minimum unexpired lease terms. As of 14/8/2025 the requirements read as follows :
Do I select a Licenced Conveyancer or Solicitor for conveyancing in Ponders End?
Two types of professional can carry out conveyancing in Ponders End namely licenced conveyancers or solicitors. Both professionals handle the legal services that you need to complete the disposal or purchase of property. Both are duty bound to execute Ponders End conveyancing on similar standards and guidelines so you can be safe in the knowledge that your conveyancing will be professionally carried out and that the necessary steps should be accurately adhered to.
I can not work out if my bank obliges me to make sure the lease term for the flat is extended prior to the completion date. I have telephoned my Ponders End building society branch on various occasions and was told they are content with the situation and they will lend. My Ponders End conveyancing solicitor - who is on the bank conveyancing panel- telephoned to say that they refuse to lend in accordance with their specific requirements. I simply don't know who is right.
The conveyancing practitioner must follow the CML Handbook Part 2 provisions for your lender. Unless your lawyer obtains specific confirmation in writing that the bank 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 lender to contact your lawyer in writing confirming that they will accept the number of years left on the lease.
HSBC have agreed my home loan in principle, my bid on a apartment in Ponders End has been agreed to, now what?
The property agent will want to know who your solicitors are (be sure the conveyancing practitioners are on the bank’s panel). Telephone HSBC or the broker and finalise any relevant documentation. HSBC will appoint a valuer who will get in touch with the selling agent or seller to schedule a slot for the valuation to take place. Once carried out (assuming no problems) it takes about a fortnight to get a mortgage offer. HSBC will issue the offer to you and your solicitors. The transaction will then take it’s course according the nature and complexity of the conveyancing in Ponders End.
I am purchasing a house and the conveyancer has referenced Chancel Repair to which the house could be obligated to contribute to given it’s proximity to the area of such a church. She has recommended insurance. Is this strictly required for conveyancing in Ponders End
Unless a previous acquisition of the house completed after 12 October 2013 you could expect conveyancing practitioners handling conveyancing in Ponders End to continue to advocate a chancel search and or insurance against a claim.
How does conveyancing in Ponders End differ for newly converted properties?
Most buyers of new build residence in Ponders End approach us having been asked by the seller to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the premises is completed. This is because new home sellers in Ponders End usually purchase 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 conveyancing solicitors 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 Ponders End or who has acted in the same development.
I am looking for a conveyancing solicitor in Ponders End for my home move. Is it possible to review a firm’s complaints history with the profession’s regulator?
Members of the public may read documented Solicitor Regulator Association (SRA) determinations arising from investigations commenced on or after Jan 2008. Go to Check a solicitor's record. For details about the period before 1 January 2008, or to check a solicitors record, ring 0870 606 2555, 08.00 - 18.00 Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and 09.30 - 18.00 Tuesday. For callers outside the UK, use +44 (0)121 329 6800. The SRA may monitor call for training reasons.