Is there a search tool that I can utilise to investigate if the solicitor handling my conveyancing in Downe is on the lender’sconveyancing panel? I am looking to avoid the situation of having one lawyer for me and one for thus spending £175.00 in further conveyancing invoice.

You should make the most of the find a conveyancing panel solicitor tool on this web page. Pick the mortgage company and type ‘Downe’ or your location and you will discover numerous conveyancers located in Downe or near you.

My wife and I own a 4 bedroom Georgian property in Downe. Conveyancing lawyer represented me and . I happened to do a free search for it on the Land Registry database and I saw a couple of entries: the first freehold, the second leasehold under the matching address. If a house is not a freehold shouldn't I have been informed?

You need to assess the Freehold register you have again and check the Charges Register for mention of a lease. The best way to be sure that you are also the registered proprietor of the leasehold and freehold title as well is to check (£3). It is not completely unheard of in Downe and other areas of the country and poses no real issues for owners other than when they sell they have to account for both freehold and leasehold interests when dealing with buyers. You can also question the position with your conveyancing solicitor who completed the work.

What does commercial conveyancing in Downe cover?

Non domestic conveyancing in Downe covers a broad array of advice, provided by qualified solicitors, relating to business property. By way of example, this type of conveyancing can cover the sale or purchase of freehold business premises or, more usually, the assignment of existing business tenancies or the drafting of new leasing arrangements. Commercial conveyancing solicitors can also offer advice on the sale of business assets, commercial loans and the termination of leases.

I today plan to offer on a house that appears to meet my requirements, at a great price which is making it all the more appealing. I have subsequently discovered that it's a leasehold rather than freehold. I am assuming that there are particular concerns buying a house with a leasehold title in Downe. Conveyancing solicitors have are soon to be instructed. Will my lawyers set out the risks of buying a leasehold house in Downe ?

Most houses in Downe are freehold rather than leasehold. This is one of the situations where having a local conveyancer who is familiar with the area who can assist with the conveyancing process. It is clear that you are buying in Downe in which case you should be looking for a Downe conveyancing practitioner and be sure that they are used to advising on leasehold houses. As a matter of priority you will need to check the unexpired lease term. Being a lessee you will not be entirely free to do whatever you want with the house. The lease comes with conditions such as requiring the landlord’sconsent to conduct alterations. It may be necessary to pay a contribution towards the upkeep of the communal areas where the house is located on an estate. Your conveyancer will appraise you on the various issues.

Leasehold Conveyancing in Downe - Sample of Questions you should ask before buying

How much is the maintenance charge and ground rent on the apartment? This information is important as a) areas can cause problems in the block as the communal areas may start to deteriorate if maintenance remain unpaid b) if the leasehold owners have an issue with the running of the building you will need to have full disclosure Who is in charge of the building?

I have been recommended a conveyancing solicitor in Downe. I need to find out if they are on the lender's approved list of lawyers. Could you advise?

You should phone your conveyancer and ask them if they are on the lender's panel. If that does not help call us and we can investigate and revert. Should the firm not be on the conveyancing panel we can certainly arrange a reputable conveyancing solicitor in Downe on the approved list for your mortgage company.