Having had my offer accepted I require leasehold conveyancing in Harrow. Before diving in I would like to find out the number of years remaining on the lease.

Assuming the lease is recorded at the land registry - and almost all are in Harrow - then the leasehold title will always include the short particulars of the lease, namely the date; the term; and the original parties. From a conveyancing perspective such details then enable any prospective buyer and lender to confirm that any lease they are looking at is the one relevant to that title.For any other purpose, such as confirming how long the term was granted for and calculating what is left, then the register should be sufficient on it's own.

There are only 72 years remaining on my lease in Harrow. I need to get lease extension but my landlord is can not be found. What options are available to me?

On the basis that you qualify, under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 you can apply to the County Court for an order to dispense with the service of the initial notice. This will enable the lease to be granted an extra 90 years by the magistrate. You will be obliged to prove that you have used your best endeavours to track down the landlord. For most situations a specialist would be helpful to conduct investigations and prepare an expert document to be used as evidence that the landlord can not be located. It is advisable to get professional help from a conveyancer both on investigating the landlord’s absence and the vesting order request to the County Court covering Harrow.

I've found a house that seems to tick a lot of boxes, at a great price which is making it more attractive. I have subsequently found out that it's a leasehold rather than freehold. I am assuming that there are issues buying a house with a leasehold title in Harrow. Conveyancing solicitors have not yet been instructed. Will they explain the issues?

Most houses in Harrow are freehold and not leasehold. This is one of the situations where having a local conveyancer who is familiar with the area can help the conveyancing process. We note that you are purchasing in Harrow so you should seriously consider shopping around for a Harrow conveyancing solicitor and check that they are used to transacting on leasehold houses. As a matter of priority you will need to check the number of years remaining. As a tenant you will not be entirely free to do whatever you want to the property. The lease will likely included provisions such as requiring the freeholder’spermission to carry out alterations. You may also be required to pay a contribution towards the maintenance of the estate where the house is part of an estate. Your lawyer should advise you fully on all the issues.

What are your top tips when it comes to finding a Harrow conveyancing practice to deal with our lease extension?

When appointing a solicitor for lease extension works (regardless if they are a Harrow conveyancing firm) it is most important that he or she should be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of work. We advise that you talk with several firms including non Harrow conveyancing practices before you instructing a firm. If the firm is ALEP accredited then that’s a bonus. Some following of questions might be helpful:

• How experienced is the firm with lease extension legislation?
• What are the legal fees for lease extension work?

Can you provide any advice for leasehold conveyancing in Harrow with the purpose of speeding up the sale process?

• A significant proportion of the delay in leasehold conveyancing in Harrow can be avoided if you instruct lawyers the minute you market your property and ask them to collate the leasehold information needed by the buyers solicitors.
• Many freeholders or Management Companies in Harrow charge for supplying management packs for a leasehold premises. You or your lawyers should enquire as to the fee that they propose to charge. The management information can be applied for on or before finding a buyer, thus reducing delays. The typical amount of time it takes to receive management information is three weeks. It is the most frequent cause of delay in leasehold conveyancing in Harrow.
• In the event that you altered the property did you need the Landlord’s approval? Have you, for example laid down wooden flooring? Most leases in Harrow state that internal structural alterations or installing wooden flooring calls for a licence issued by the Landlord acquiescing to such changes. If you fail to have the paperwork in place do not communicate with the landlord without checking with your solicitor first.
• If you are supposed to have a share in the freehold, you should make sure that you hold the original share document. Organising a replacement share certificate can be a lengthy process and slows down many a Harrow conveyancing transaction. If a reissued share is necessary, you should approach the company officers or managing agents (if relevant) for this at the earliest opportunity.
• You believe that you know the number of years remaining on your lease but it would be wise to double-check via your solicitors. A buyer’s lawyer will be unlikely to recommend their client to where the lease term is below 75 years. In the circumstances it is important at an early stage that you consider whether the lease term requires a lease extension. If it does, contact your solicitors before you put your home on the market for sale.

I have tried to negotiate informally with with my landlord for a lease extension without any joy. Can one make an application to the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal? Can you recommend a Harrow conveyancing firm to help?

You certainly can. We are happy to put you in touch with a Harrow conveyancing firm who can help.

An example of a Lease Extension matter before the tribunal for a Harrow flat is flat 93b Welldon Crescent in May 2009. The Tribunals valuation for a 90-year lease extension of this fat was £13,171 This case was in relation to 1 flat. The the number of years remaining on the existing lease(s) was 75.25 years.

Harrow Conveyancing for Leasehold Flats - Sample of Questions you should consider Prior to Purchasing

Does the lease contain onerous restrictions? How many of the leaseholders are in arrears for their service charge payments? What is the length of the lease?