I am on look out for some leasehold conveyancing in Millom. Before diving in I would like to find out the number of years remaining on the lease.

If the lease is registered - and most are in Millom - 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.

I today plan to offer on a house that appears to be perfect, at a reasonable price which is making it more attractive. I have just found out that the title is leasehold as opposed to freehold. I would have thought that there are particular concerns purchasing a house with a leasehold title in Millom. Conveyancing lawyers have are about to be instructed. Will my lawyers set out the risks of buying a leasehold house in Millom ?

The majority of houses in Millom are freehold and not leasehold. In this scenario it’s worth having a local solicitor who is familiar with the area can help the conveyancing process. It is clear that you are purchasing in Millom so you should seriously consider shopping around for a Millom conveyancing solicitor and check that they have experience in dealing with leasehold houses. First you will need to check the unexpired lease term. As a leaseholder you will not be at liberty to do whatever you want with the house. The lease comes with conditions such as obtaining the landlord’spermission to carry out alterations. You may also be required to pay a contribution towards the maintenance of the communal areas where the property is located on an estate. Your lawyer will report to you on the legal implications.

Can you offer any advice when it comes to choosing a Millom conveyancing practice to deal with our lease extension?

If you are instructing a conveyancer for lease extension works (regardless if they are a Millom conveyancing practice) it is essential that he or she should be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of work. We suggested that you talk with several firms including non Millom conveyancing practices prior to instructing a firm. If the firm is ALEP accredited then that’s a bonus. Some following of questions could be useful:

• Can they put you in touch with client in Millom who can give a testimonial?
• What are the charges for lease extension work?

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

• Much of the delay in leasehold conveyancing in Millom can be avoided if you get in touch lawyers as soon as your agents start advertising the property and ask them to collate the leasehold documentation needed by the buyers lawyers.
• In the event that you altered the property did you need the Landlord’s consent? Have you, for example laid down wooden flooring? Millom leases often stipulate that internal structural alterations or installing wooden flooring calls for a licence issued by the Landlord acquiescing to such changes. Should you fail to have the paperwork to hand you should not contact the landlord without checking with your lawyer in the first instance.
• A minority of Millom leases require Licence to Assign from the landlord. If this applies to your lease, you should place the estate agents on notice to make sure that the purchasers obtain financial (bank) and professional references. Any bank reference should make it clear that the buyer is able to meet the yearly service charge and the actual amount of the service charge should be quoted in the bank’s letter. You will therefore need to provide your estate agents with the service charge figures so that they can pass this information on to the purchasers or their solicitors.
• If you have had any disputes with your landlord or managing agents it is very important that these are settled prior to the flat being marketed. The purchasers and their solicitors will be reluctant to purchase a property where there is a current dispute. You may need to swallow your pride and discharge any arrears of service charge or settle the dispute prior to the buyers completing the purchase. It is therefore preferable to have any dispute settled ahead of the contract papers being issued to the buyers’ solicitors. You will still have to reveal details of the dispute to the purchasers, but it is clearly preferable to reveal the dispute as over as opposed to ongoing.
• If you have the benefit of shareholding in the Management Company, you should make sure that you have the original share certificate. Obtaining a replacement share certificate is often a lengthy formality and delays many a Millom home move. If a reissued share is necessary, do contact the company officers or managing agents (if relevant) for this at the earliest opportunity.

We expect to complete the disposal of our £ 300000 apartment in Millom next Thursday . The management company has quoted £<Macro 'feeRangeWithVAT'> for Landlord’s certificate, building insurance schedule and previous years statements of service charge. Is it legal for a freeholder to charge exorbitant fees for a leasehold conveyance in Millom?

Millom conveyancing on leasehold apartments often requires the buyer’s conveyancer submitting enquiries for the landlord to address. Although the landlord is under no legal obligation to address these enquiries most will be willing to assist. They are entitled charge a reasonable charge for answering questions or supplying documentation. There is no upper cap for such fees. The average costs for the paperwork that you are referring to is £350, in some cases it exceeds £800. The administration charge levied by the landlord must be sent together with a synopsis of entitlements and obligations in respect of administration fees, without which the charge is technically not due. Reality however dictates that one has little choice but to pay whatever is requested of you should you wish to complete the sale of your home.

Leasehold Conveyancing in Millom - Sample of Questions you should consider before Purchasing

The best form of lease structure is where the freehold title is in the ownership of the leaseholders. In this arrangement the leaseholders have being in charge if their destiny and notwithstanding that a managing agent is often employed if the building is larger than a house conversion, the managing agent is directed by the tenants. How much is the yearly maintenance fee and ground rent? Be sure to find out if there are any onerous restrictions in the lease. For example it is reasonably common in Millom leases that pets are not permitted in certain buildings in Millom. If you love the propertyin Millom however your cat can’t move with you then you have a very hard compromise.