Guaranteed fixed fees for Leasehold Conveyancing in Ascot

Get a Quote

Whether you are buying or selling leasehold flat in Ascot, our panel of leasehold conveyancing experts will help you move with as little stress as possible. Find a Ascot conveyancing lawyer with our search tool

Questions and Answers: Ascot leasehold conveyancing

I am intending to sublet my leasehold flat in Ascot. Conveyancing solicitor who did the purchase is retired - so can't ask him. Do I need to ask my freeholder for their consent?

Your lease dictates the relationship between the landlord and you the flat owner; in particular, it will say if subletting is banned, or permitted but only subject to certain caveats. The rule is that if the lease contains no expres ban or restriction, subletting is allowed. The majority of leases in Ascot do not contain an absolute prevention of subletting – such a clause would undoubtedly devalue the property. In most cases there is a basic requirement that the owner notifies the freeholder, possibly sending a duplicate of the sublease.

Planning to sign contracts shortly on a basement flat in Ascot. Conveyancing lawyers inform me that they are sending me a report next week. Are there areas in the report that I should be focusing on?

Your report on title for your leasehold conveyancing in Ascot should include some of the following:

  • Details of the parties to the lease, for example these could be the leaseholder (you), head lessor, freeholder
  • You should be told what constitutes a Nuisance in the lease
  • You should have a good understanding of the insurance provisions
  • Changes to the flat (alterations and additions)
  • I don't know whether the lease allows me to alter or improve anything in the flat - you should know whether it applies to all alterations or just structural alteration, and whether consent is required
  • The landlord’s obligations to repair and maintain the building. It is important that you know who is responsible for the repair and maintenance of every part of the building
  • What the implications are if you breach a clause of your lease? For details of the information to be included in your report on your leasehold property in Ascot please enquire of your lawyer in ahead of your conveyancing in Ascot

    • I’m about to sell my ground floor apartment in Ascot.Conveyancing lawyers have not yet been instructed but I have just received a quarterly maintenance charge invoice – what should I do?

    Your conveyancing lawyer is likely to suggest that you should pay the service charge as normal because all ground rent and service charges will be apportioned on completion, so you will be reimbursed by the buyer for the period running from after the completion date to the next payment date. Most management companies 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've recently bought a leasehold flat in Ascot. Am I liable to pay service charges relating to a period prior to my ownership?

    In a situation where the service charge has already been demanded from the previous lessee and they have not paid you would not usually be personally liable for the arrears. However, your landlord may still be able to take action to forfeit the lease. A critical element of leasehold conveyancing for your conveyancer to be sure to have an up to date clear service charge receipt before completion of your purchase. If you have a mortgage this is likely to be a requirement of your lender.

    If you purchase part way through an accounting year you may be liable for charges not yet demanded even if they relate to a period prior to your purchase. In such circumstances your conveyancer would normally arrange for the seller to set aside some money to cover their part of the period (usually called a service charge retention).

    What advice can you give us when it comes to choosing a Ascot conveyancing firm to deal with our lease extension?

    When appointing a conveyancer for your lease extension (regardless if they are a Ascot conveyancing practice) it is imperative that they be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of work. We advise that you speak with several firms including non Ascot conveyancing practices prior to instructing a firm. If the firm is ALEP accredited then so much the better. Some following of questions could be helpful:

    • How experienced is the firm with lease extension legislation?
  • If they are not ALEP accredited then why not?

    • Ascot Conveyancing for Leasehold Flats - A selection of Questions you should consider Prior to buying

      Are any of leasehold owners in arrears of their service charge liability? Is there a share of the freehold? Be sure to find out if the the lease includes any unreasonable restrictions in the lease. For example it is very common in Ascot leases that pets are not allowed in in a block in Ascot. If you love the propertyin Ascot yet your dog can’t make the move with you then you have a very difficult decision.

    Other Topics

    Lease Extensions in Ascot