I am soon to exchange on the purchase of a property in Reigate but as a result of wreckage from a small fire at the property I have managed to agree reparation from the current proprietors of three thousand pounds taking the form of a deduction in the price. This was going to be addressed as part of a side agreement but Nationwide will not permit this. Why were they involved?

Any solicitor being on a Nationwide conveyancing panel is required to disclose to Nationwide of any variations to the purchase price. If you prohibit your lawyer to report the reduction to Nationwide then they would have to discontinue acting for you. In addition, Nationwide and you would have to appoint a new lawyer for your conveyancing in Reigate.

I am looking for a flat up to £195,000 and found one near me in Reigate I like with open areas and railway links in the vicinity, the downside is that it's only got 52 years on the lease. I can't really find anything else in Reigate for this price, so just wondered if I would be making a mistake purchasing a short lease?

Should you require a mortgage the shortness of the lease will likely be an issue. Reduce the offer by the expected lease extension will cost if it has not already been discounted. If the existing owner has owned the premises for a minimum of 2 years you can request that they start the process of the extension and then assign it to you. An additional ninety years can be extended on to the current lease term with a zero ground rent applied. You should speak to your conveyancing lawyer concerning this.

How can the Landlord & Tenant Act 1954 affect my business offices in Reigate and how can you help?

The particular law that you refer to gives protection to business lessees, giving them the dueness to apply to court for a new lease and remain in occupation at the end of the lease term. There are limited grounds where a landlord can refuse a lease renewal and the rules are complex. We are happy to direct you to commercial conveyancing solicitors who use the act for protection and help with commercial conveyancing in Reigate

I have just appointed agents to market my ground floor flat in Reigate. Conveyancing is yet to be initiated, but I have just received a quarterly service charge demand – should I leave it to the buyer to sort out?

Your conveyancing lawyer is likely to suggest that you should pay the maintenance contribution as you normally would as all rents and service payments should be apportioned as part of the financial calculations for completion monies, so you should recover the relevant percentage by the buyer for the period running from after the completion date to the next payment date. Most managing agents will not acknowledge the buyer unless the service charges have been paid and are up to date, so it is important for both buyer and seller for the seller to show that they are up to date. Having a clear account will assist your cause and will leave you no worse off financially.

I purchased a garden flat in Reigate, conveyancing having been completed August 2002. Can you work out an approximate cost of a lease extension? Comparable flats in Reigate with an extended lease are worth £180,000. The average or mid-range amount of ground rent is £65 charged once a year. The lease runs out on 21st October 2082

With just 58 years remaining on your lease we estimate the price of your lease extension to be between £22,800 and £26,400 plus costs.

The suggested premium range above a general guide to costs for renewing a lease, but we are not able to supply a more accurate figure in the absence of detailed investigations. Do not use the figures in a Notice of Claim or as an informal offer. There are no doubt other issues that need to be taken into account and clearly you want to be as accurate as possible in your negotiations. Please do not move forward based on this information without first seeking the advice of a professional.

I am short of a 10% deposit on my house purchase in Reigate , but I am anxious proceed. What can I do?

One option is to try and accept a lesser deposit. Most sellers will agree to a smaller deposit or even no deposit for a first time buyer or 100% mortgage. Be aware though that if you fail to complete you will still need to hand over a minimum of 10% of the purchase price regardless of how much deposit was agreed.

You can also agree a simultaneous exchange and completion as no deposit is required for this however neither party will be tied in until completion actually takes place and it can be risky if sellers change their mind at the last moment