We instructed a high street solicitor for my conveyancing in Portsmouth today. Looking through the small print I noteI am liable for charges even if the movedoes not happen. Should I go with them or choose a web based conveyancing company promoting no completion no charge conveyancing in Portsmouth?

Generally there is a compromise along the lines that if "No Completion No Fee" is available then the fee levels will generally be higher to offset those conveyances that fail to complete. Do bear in mind that such promotions tend not to cover disbursements by way of example Portsmouth conveyancing search expenses.

I am in a contract race with another buyer for a property in Portsmouth. What can I do to speed up matters?

First, If the seller is applying a tight deadline for your conveyancing it is advisable to make sure that your lawyer is familiar with the location as they will benefit local relationships and know-how. It is possible that they could have handled previousproperties in the same street. You would be best advised to use a Portsmouth conveyancing lawyer. Second, make sure that the lawyer is on the on the approved list for your mortgage company. It is believed that just under twenty per cent of Portsmouth conveyancing transactions are suspended or derailed after finding out that a buyer’s lawyer was not on their mortgage lender’s list of approved solicitors. This can often result in the conveyancing being held up by almost three weeks. It is claimed that this issue affects in the region of one hundred thousand home moves every year. Most Portsmouth conveyancing practices can not act for certain mortgage companies so do check at the outset.

I have been told that property searches are the main cause of hinderance in Portsmouth conveyancing transactions. Is that correct?

The Council of Property Search Organisations (CoPSO) published determinations of a review by MoveWithUs that conveyancing searches do not figure amongst the most frequent causes of delays in the conveyancing process. Local searches are unlikely to feature in any slowing down conveyancing in Portsmouth.

About to purchase a new build apartment in Portsmouth. Conveyancing is necessary evil 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 few leasehold new build enquiries that you should expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Portsmouth

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 architect prepared. The Landlord must covenant to assume the management if the Management Company goes into liquidation or otherwise defaults in running the management scheme. Will the freehold then be transferred for a nominal consideration (not exceeding £100) to the Management Company? If there are lifts in the building, please confirm that the owners of flats on the ground and basement floors will not be required to contribute towards the cost of maintenance and renewal.

My wife and I purchased a leasehold house in Portsmouth. Conveyancing and Barclays Direct mortgage organised. I have received a letter from someone claiming to own the freehold. Attached was a demand for arrears of ground rent dating back to 1997. The conveyancing solicitor in Portsmouth who previously acted has long since retired. Do I pay?

First contact the Land Registry to be sure that this person is in fact the registered owner of the freehold reversion. You do not need to instruct a Portsmouth conveyancing lawyer to do this as you can do this on the Land Registry website for less than a fiver. You should note that in any event, even if this is the rightful freeholder, under the Limitation Act 1980 the limitation period for recovery of ground rent is six years.

Leasehold Conveyancing in Portsmouth - Sample of Queries before buying

Who are the managing agents? How is the lease structured? What is the the remaining lease term?