How up to date is your search tool for Reading conveyancing solicitors on the HSBC conveyancing panel? Do HSBC send you an updated list?

Reading conveyancing firms themselves provide us confirmation that they are on the HSBC conveyancing panel as opposed to being supplied with a list from HSBC directly.

My mortgage company has recommended a law firm on their panel based in Reading but I would rather choose a conveyancing lawyer in Reading or nearer to where I live. Are you able to assist?

Far from all Reading conveyancing practices are approved and listed on all banks conveyancing panel. Do make the most of our search tool to locate a Reading conveyancing firm on the on the bank panel.

I am buying a new build flat in Reading. Conveyancing is a frightening process 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 legal work.

Here is a sample of a selection of leasehold new build questions that you should expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Reading

There must be mutual enforceability of lessee’s covenants. 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. 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. Please supply evidence that the form of Lease proposed has been approved by the Land Registry. Please confirm the Lease plans are surveyor prepared.

Can you offer any advice when it comes to appointing a Reading conveyancing firm to deal with our lease extension?

If you are instructing a conveyancer for lease extension works (regardless if they are a Reading conveyancing practice) it is imperative that they be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of conveyancing. We recommend that you talk with several firms including non Reading conveyancing practices before you instructing a firm. If the firm is ALEP accredited then that’s a bonus. The following questions might be of use:

If they are not ALEP accredited then what is the reason?

I am the registered owner of a leasehold flat in Reading, conveyancing formalities finalised 7 years ago. How much will my lease extension cost? Corresponding flats in Reading with an extended lease are worth £202,000. The ground rent is £60 levied per year. The lease runs out on 21st October 2083

You have 57 years unexpired we estimate the premium for your lease extension to span between £28,500 and £33,000 as well as professional fees.

The figure above a general guide to costs for extending a lease, but we cannot give you a more accurate figure without more comprehensive due diligence. You should not use this information in a Notice of Claim or as an informal offer. There are no doubt other issues that need to be taken into account and you obviously should be as accurate as possible in your negotiations. Please do not move forward placing reliance on this information before seeking the advice of a professional.

A licensed conveyancer handled my conveyancing in Reading 5 years ago and was holding my title documents but has since been shut down – What can I do to retreive these?

Title deeds, as such, are no longer appropriate for most homes in Reading are registered electronically at Land Registry. Should you need to prove evidence of proprietorship or are selling or re-mortgaging your property lawyer should obtain up to date copies of the register from the Land Registry in any case.

If you feel there may be other documents or you have any other queries please e-mail your request with details of the transaction and documents you need to filerequest@clc-uk.org. The CLC will let you know what information they have and any additional information they may need before they are in a position to identify and send the documents to you. Following an intervention it may take some time for the CLC to access archived files and documents, but your request will be actioned with reasonable haste.