We're in Barton Seagrave, First timers buying with a mortgage (lender is Virgin Money , and our lawyer is on the Virgin Money conveyancing panel). How long should the conveyancing process take?

The fact that your lawyer is on the Virgin Money conveyancing panel is a help. It would almost certainly delay matters if they were not. However, no lawyer should guarantee a timeframe for your conveyancing, due to third parties outside of your control such as delays caused by lenders,conveyancing search providers or by the other side’s solicitors. The time taken is often determined by the number of parties in a chain.

I have been told that property searches are the primary cause of obstruction in Barton Seagrave conveyancing transactions. Is there any truth in this?

The Council of Property Search Organisations (CoPSO) published findings of research by MoveWithUs that conveyancing searches do not figure amongst the common causes of delays in the conveyancing process. Searches are unlikely to feature in any delay in conveyancing in Barton Seagrave.

I have recentlybecome aware that Arc property Solicitors have been shut down. They conducted my conveyancing in Barton Seagrave for a purchase of a leasehold flat 18 months ago. How can I establish that the property is not still registered in the name of the former proprietor?

The easiest method to see if the premises is registered to you, you can make a search of the land registry (£3.00). You can either do this yourself or ask a law firm to do this for you. If you are not registered you can seek help from one of a number of Barton Seagrave conveyancing specialists.

I need to instruct a conveyancing practitioner in Barton Seagrave for my home move. Is it possible to review a firm’s record with the legal regulator?

Members of the public can review presented Solicitor Regulator Association (SRA) determinations resulting from investigations from 2008 onwards. Go to Check a solicitor's record. For records about the period before 1 January 2008, or to check a firm's history, ring 0870 606 2555, 08.00 - 18.00 Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and 09.30 - 18.00 Tuesday. For callers outside the UK, call +44 (0)121 329 6800. The SRA may monitor telephone calls for training purposes.

I've found a house that appears to tick a lot of boxes, at a great price which is making it all the more appealing. I have just discovered that it's a leasehold as opposed to freehold. I am assuming that there are particular concerns purchasing a house with a leasehold title in Barton Seagrave. Conveyancing advisers have are soon to be appointed. Will my lawyers set out the risks of buying a leasehold house in Barton Seagrave ?

The majority of houses in Barton Seagrave are freehold rather than leasehold. This is one of the situations where having a local conveyancer used to dealing with such properties who can assist with the conveyancing process. We note that you are buying in Barton Seagrave in which case you should be looking for a Barton Seagrave conveyancing solicitor and check that they have experience in advising on leasehold houses. First you will need to check the unexpired lease term. As a tenant you will not be at liberty to do whatever you want with the house. The lease will likely included provisions such as requiring the landlord’spermission to conduct changes to the property. You may also be required to pay a contribution towards the maintenance of the estate where the house is part of an estate. Your solicitor should appraise you on the various issues.

I acquired a garden flat in Barton Seagrave, conveyancing was carried out half a dozen years ago. Can you let me have an estimate of the premium that my landlord can legally expect in return for granting a renewal of my lease? Comparable flats in Barton Seagrave with an extended lease are worth £221,000. The ground rent is £50 yearly. The lease runs out on 21st October 2096

With 70 years left to run we estimate the premium for your lease extension to range between £9,500 and £11,000 plus professional fees.

The suggested premium range that we have given is a general guide to costs for extending a lease, but we are not able to supply the actual costs without more detailed due diligence. You should not use the figures in a Notice of Claim or as an informal offer. There may be additional issues that need to be taken into account and clearly you should be as accurate as possible in your negotiations. Please do not take any other action based on this information without first getting professional advice.