We are purchasing a 2 bedroom flat in Watford with a mortgage. We would like to retain our Watford lawyer, however the bank says she’s not on their "panel". It appears that we have little option but to appoint one of the bank panel conveyancing practices or retain our Watford lawyer and pay for one of their panel lawyers to represent them. This seems very unfair; are we not able to demand that the lender use our Watford lawyer ?

No, not really. Your mortgage offer is subject to its terms and conditions, one of which will be that lawyers will on the lender’s conveyancing panel. Until recently, most lenders had large numbers of law firms on their panels: a borrower could choose one for themselves, as long as it was on the lender's panel. The lender would then simply instruct the borrower's lawyers to act for the lender, too. You can use your lender's panel lawyers or you could borrow from another lender which does not restrict your choice. Another option that might be available is for your Watford conveyancing lawyer to apply to be on the conveyancing panel.

Why is leasehold purchase conveyancing in Watford costs more?

In summary, leasehold conveyancing in Watford and Hertfordshire usually warrants extra due diligence compared to freehold transactions. This includes analysing the lease terms, liaising with the landlord about the service of applicable notices, obtaining current service charge and management information, obtaining the landlord’s consents and reviewing management accounts. The obligations on both the landlord and the tenant in the lease need to be studied by the buyer’s conveyancing team and read from beginning to end – regardless of the fact the lease has passed through many different property solicitors hands since it was first granted.

I am buying a semi-detached house in Watford. How practical is it for me to do the conveyancing?

Leaving aside the complexities and merits of DIY conveyancing in Watford you will have to appoint a solicitor on your mortgage company's conveyancing panel to look after their interests. Most people therefore find it easier to let the solicitor act for them and the lender. Furthermore there is minimal cost savings to be made in you doing conveyancing for yourself and another lawyer conducting the conveyancing for the lender. Please feel free to use the search tool to find a lawyer on your lender panel in Watford.

I am aiming to move house in August. Does my conveyancing solicitor call the removal company on the day of completion. As an aside, can you put forward a removal company in Watford. Conveyancing firm was organised prior to coming across this page.

On the afternoon of completion you can pick up the keys from the selling agent however this can only be done after the previous owners lawyers advise the agent that they acknowledge receipt of the completion payment and the keys can be released. You should tell the removal company that they can start moving you in. As a matter of policy we do not recommend a specific removal organisation but can assist you in locating a residential property solicitor in Watford or a lawyer with expertise in conveyancing in Watford.

I am buying a detached bungalow in Watford. We would like to convert the garage to a playroom at the property.Will legal conveyancing on the property involve investigations to determine if these works were previously refused?

Your property lawyer should check the registered title as conveyancing in Watford can on occasion reveal restrictions in the title documents which restrict categories of alterations or need the permission of a 3rd party. Some extensions need local authority planning permissions and approval in accordance building regulations. Many locations are designated conservation areas and special planning restrictions apply which often prevent or affect extensions. You should check these issues with a surveyor ahead of any purchase.

I am buying a property in Watford. A rare aspect is that the roof has a solar panel. Principality have issued a mortgage offer so presumably this is not a concern to them. Why is my solicitor raising questions about the panel?

As you are obtaining a mortgage with Principality your lawyer must comply with the formal requirements outlined in Part two of UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook for Principality. The Council of Mortgage Lenders’ Handbook includes minimum specifications for solar panel roof-space leases, and lawyers are required to report to Principality where a lease fails to satisfy these provisions. The specifications relate to the installation of panels on properties in England and Wales and is not limited to Watford.

Looking forward to sign contracts shortly on a garden flat in Watford. Conveyancing solicitors inform me that they will have a report out to me tomorrow. What should I be looking out for?

The report on title for your leasehold conveyancing in Watford should include some of the following:

Repair and maintenance of the flat What options are available to the landlord where you breach a clause of your lease? Information concerning the obligations as set out in the lease to pay service charges - with regard to both the building, and the wider rights a tenant enjoys specifics of the parties to the lease, for example these could be the (you), head lessor, landlord How long the lease is. You should receive guidance as what happens when the lease expires, and informed of the importance of the 80 year mark

My wife and I have hit a brick wall in seeking a lease extension in Watford. Can the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal adjudicate on premiums?

Most definitely. We are happy to put you in touch with a Watford conveyancing firm who can help.

An example of a Lease Extension decision for a Watford property is Flats 8, 11 and 15 Craigmore Court 46 Murray Road in December 2013. The tribunal held that the price payable by the Applicant tenant of Flat 8 to acquire an extended lease shall be £26,438 plus £1 to the intermediate lessee . The tribunal held that the price payable by the Applicant tenants of Flat 11 to acquire an extended lease shall be £26,791 plus £1 to the intermediate lessee. The tribunal held that the price payable by the Applicant tenant of Flat 15 to acquire an extended lease shall be £26,638 plus £1 to the intermediate lessee . This case related to 3 flats. The unexpired lease term was 71 years.