Due to sign contracts shortly on a leasehold property in Roath. Conveyancing lawyers have said that they will have a report out to me next week. What should I be looking out for?

The report on title for your leasehold conveyancing in Roath should include some of the following:

• You should receive a copy of the lease

I’m about to sell my garden apartment in Roath.Conveyancing lawyers have not yet been instructed but I have just received a half-yearly maintenance charge demand – Do I pay up?

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 managing agents 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 am hoping to put an offer on a small detached house that seems to meet my requirements, at a great price which is making it more attractive. I have just discovered that the title is leasehold rather than freehold. I am assuming that there are particular concerns purchasing a house with a leasehold title in Roath. Conveyancing solicitors have not yet been appointed. Will my lawyers set out the risks of buying a leasehold house in Roath ?

Most houses in Roath 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. We note that you are buying in Roath so you should seriously consider looking for a Roath conveyancing solicitor and check that they are used to advising on leasehold houses. First you will need to check the number of years remaining. As a lessee you will not be entirely free to do whatever you want to the property. The lease comes with conditions for example obtaining the landlord’spermission to conduct alterations. It may be necessary to pay a contribution towards the maintenance of the estate where the house is part of an estate. Your solicitor will report to you on the legal implications.

My wife and I purchased a leasehold flat in Roath. Conveyancing and Barclays mortgage organised. I have received a letter from someone claiming to own the reversionary interest in the property. Attached was a ground rent demand for rent dating back to 1992. The conveyancing practitioner in Roath who previously acted has now retired.What should I do?

First make enquiries of the Land Registry to make sure that the individual purporting to own the freehold is in fact the registered owner of the freehold reversion. It is not necessary to instruct a Roath conveyancing lawyer to do this as you can do this on the Land Registry website for a few pound. You should note that regardless, even if this is the rightful landlord, under the Limitation Act 1980 no more than 6 years of rent can be collected.

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

When appointing a conveyancer for lease extension works (regardless if they are a Roath conveyancing practice) it is imperative that they be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of work. We recommend that you speak with two or three firms including non Roath conveyancing practices prior to instructing a firm. Where the conveyancing practice is ALEP accredited then that’s a bonus. Some following of questions might be helpful:

• How many lease extensions have they conducted in Roath in the last year?

Leasehold Conveyancing in Roath - Sample of Questions you should ask Prior to buying

Most Roath leasehold flats will incur a service charge for maintenance of the block invoiced on behalf of the management company. Where you purchase the property you will have to meet this amount, usually periodically accross the year. This can differ from several hundred pounds to thousands of pounds for blocks with lifts and large common grounds. In all likelihood there will be a rentcharge to be met yearly, this is usually not a significant amount, say about £50-£100 but you need to enquire as sometimes it could be many hundreds of pounds. This question is useful as a) areas may cause problems in the building as the communal areas may start to deteriorate if maintenance remain unpaid b) if the leaseholders have a dispute with the running of the building you will want to know about it Be sure to enquire if there is anything that is prohibited in the lease. By way of example it is reasonably common in Roath leases that pets are not permitted in in a block in Roath. If you love the propertyin Roath yet your cat can’t make the move with you then you will be faced difficult compromise.

Other Topics

Lease Extensions in Roath