Our West Acton solicitor has spotted a difference between the information in the home valuation survey and what is revealed within the legal papers for the property. My lawyer informs me that he is duty bound to check that the bank is happy with this discrepancy and is still content to lend. Is my solicitor’s stance appropriate?

Your must comply with the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook provisions which do require that your lawyer disclose any incorrect assumptions in the lender’s valuation report and the legal papers. Should you refuse to allow your lawyer to make the appropriate notification then your lawyer will have no choice but to discontinue acting for you.

About to purchase a new build flat in West Acton. Conveyancing is daunting at the best of times but I have never purchased a new build flat before. What sort of enquires would be asked in new build legal work.

Here are examples of a selection of leasehold new build questions that you should expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in West Acton

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. Please supply a car parking plan. There must be mutual enforceability of lessee’s covenants.

I decided to have a survey completed on a house in West Acton in advance of instructing conveyancers. I have been informed that there is a flying freehold element to the house. The surveyor has said that some lenders tend not issue a loan on such a property.

It varies from the lender to lender. Santander has different instructions from Birmingham Midshires. If you call us we can look into this further via the relevant mortgage company. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can help as they are accustomed to dealing with flying freeholds in West Acton. Conveyancing may be slightly more expensive based on your lender's requirements.

I own a ground floor flat in West Acton, conveyancing having been completed in 1995. Can you work out an approximate cost of a lease extension? Comparable flats in West Acton with an extended lease are worth £165,000. The ground rent is £45 per annum. The lease comes to an end on 21st October 50

With 50 years remaining on your lease we estimate the premium for your lease extension to range between £36,100 and £41,800 as well as legals.

The figure 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 this information in tribunal or court proceedings. There are no doubt additional issues that need to be considered and clearly you want to be as accurate as possible in your negotiations. Neither should you take any other action based on this information before seeking the advice of a professional.

I today plan to offer on a house that seems to meet my requirements, at a reasonable figure which is making it more attractive. I have just been informed that it's a leasehold as opposed to freehold. I am assuming that there are issues purchasing a leasehold house in West Acton. Conveyancing lawyers have not yet been appointed. Will they explain the issues?

The majority of houses in West Acton are freehold rather than leasehold. In this scenario it’s worth having a local solicitor who is familiar with the area can help the conveyancing process. it is apparent that you are buying in West Acton so you should seriously consider shopping around for a West Acton conveyancing practitioner and check that they have experience in transacting on leasehold houses. As a matter of priority you will need to check the unexpired lease term. As a tenant you will not be entirely free to do whatever you want with the house. The lease will likely included provisions such as obtaining the landlord’sconsent to conduct changes to the property. You may also be required to pay a contribution towards the upkeep of the communal areas where the property is part of an estate. Your lawyer will appraise you on the various issues.