I have 70 years unexpired on my lease and need a lease extension for my flat in Wolverhampton. Conveyancing solicitors on the Bank of Ireland panel can deal with such extensions correct?

Most leasehold conveyancing experts should be able to deal with a lease extension. if you are obtaining a mortgage then your lender may insist that the lease be extended before competition. Bank of Ireland have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook in relation to minimum unexpired lease terms. As of 28/2/2026 the requirements read as follows :

Should my lawyer be making enquiries regarding flooding during the conveyancing in Wolverhampton.

Flooding is a growing risk for solicitors dealing with homes in Wolverhampton. Plenty of people will acquire a property in Wolverhampton, completely aware that at some time, it may suffer from flooding. However, leaving to one side the physical damage, where a house is at risk of flooding, it may be difficult to get a mortgage, adequate building insurance, or sell the premises. There are steps that can be taken during the course of a property purchase to forewarn the purchaser.

Conveyancers are not qualified to give advice on flood risk, but there are a number of searches that can be carried out by the purchaser or on a buyer’s behalf which will give them a better appreciation of the risks in Wolverhampton. The conventional set of property information forms sent to a buyer’s conveyancer (where the solicitors are adopting what is known as the Conveyancing Protocol) contains a standard question of the seller to determine if the property has ever been flooded. In the event that flooding has previously occurred and is not disclosed by the owner, then a buyer may issue a claim for damages as a result of such an incorrect response. The buyer’s lawyers should also order an enviro search. This should indicate whether there is any known flood risk. If so, further investigations should be carried out.

How does conveyancing in Wolverhampton differ for new build properties?

Most buyers of new build or newly converted property in Wolverhampton approach us having been asked by the seller to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the premises is completed. This is because developers in Wolverhampton usually buy the real estate, plan the estate and want to get the plots sold off as they are building the properties. Buyers, therefore, will have to exchange contracts without actually seeing the house they are buying. To reduce the chances of losing the property, buyers should instruct property lawyers as soon as the property is reserved and mortgage applications should be submitted quickly. Due to the fact that it could be several months and even years between exchange of contracts and completion, the mortgage offer may need to be extended. It would be wise to use a lawyer who specialises in new build conveyancing especially if they are accustomed to new build conveyancing in Wolverhampton or who has acted in the same development.

Yesterday I discovered that there is a flying freehold element on a house I have offered on a fortnight ago in what should have been a quick, no chain conveyancing. Wolverhampton is where the house is located. Can you offer any opinion?

Flying freeholds in Wolverhampton are rare but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even where you use a solicitor outside Wolverhampton you must be sure that your lawyer goes through the deeds thoroughly. Your bank may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Wolverhampton may decide that this is not enough and that the deeds be re-written to give you the most up to date legal protection. If so, the next door neighbour also had to sign up to the revised deeds.It is possible that your lender will not accept the situation so the sooner you find out the better. You should also check with your insurance broker as to whether they will insure a flying freehold residence.

I wish to sublet my leasehold flat in Wolverhampton. Conveyancing solicitor who did the purchase is retired - so can't ask him. Is permission from the freeholder required?

Some leases for properties in Wolverhampton do contain a provision to say that subletting is only allowed with permission. The landlord cannot unreasonably refuse but, in such cases, they would need to review references. Experience dictates that problems are usually caused by unsatisfactory tenants rather than owner-occupiers and for that reason you can expect the freeholder to take up the references and consider them carefully before granting permission.

Leasehold Conveyancing in Wolverhampton - Examples of Queries Prior to buying

How long is the Lease? The best form of lease arrangement is a share of the freehold. In this arrangement the lessees benefit from being in charge if their destiny and although a managing agent is usually employed if it is bigger than a house conversion, the managing agent retained by the leaseholders. Is anyone aware of any major works on the horizon that will increase the service charges?