We are expecting a mortgage offer soon. The bank mentioned the home loan came with free conveyancing. Is the implication that I have to use their panel lawyer as I would prefer to use a Blackfriars based conveyancing firm?

Do check but the the likelihood is that appoint one of their panel conveyancers where you accept the "fee-free" deal. Speak to the mortgage company to see if they offer you a monetary alternative. In the past a few mortgage companies offered a £250 cashback as an alternative in which case you could put that amount towards your preferred conveyancing solicitor near Blackfriars.

What does a local search inform me about the property I am buying in Blackfriars?

Blackfriars conveyancing often commences with the applying for local authority searches directly from your local Authority or via a personal search company for example Searches UK The local search plays a central role in most Blackfriars conveyancing purchase; as long as you don’t want any unpleasant once you have moved into your property. The search should reveal information on, amongst other things, details on planning applications relevant to the premises (whether granted or refused), building control history, any enforcement action, restrictions on permitted development, nearby road schemes, contaminated land and radon gas; in all a total of 13 subject areas.

I'm buying a new build house in Blackfriars with the aid of help to buy. The builders would not move on the price so I negotiated 6k of extras instead. The sale representative suggested that I not to tell my lawyer about the deal as it could adversely affect my mortgage with the lender. Should I keep quiet?.

All lenders require a Disclosure of Incentives Form from the builder of any new build, converted or renovated property, It is available online from the Lenders’ Handbook page on the CML website. CML form is completed and handed to the lender's surveyor when the inspection is done.

Lenders have different policies on incentives. Some accept none at all, cash or physical, while others will accept cash incentives up to 5%.

Hard to understand why the representative of a builder would be suggesting you withold information from a solicitor when all this will be clearly visible on forms the builder has to supply to its solicitor, the buyer's solicitor and the surveyor.

I opted to have a survey done on a house in Blackfriars before retaining lawyers. I have been informed that there is a flying freehold overhang to the property. My surveyor advised that some mortgage companies will not issue a loan on a flying freehold property.

It varies from the lender to lender. HSBC has different requirements from Birmingham Midshires. If you contact us we can check via the relevant mortgage company. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can assist as they are used to dealing with flying freeholds in Blackfriars. Conveyancing can be more complicated and therefore you should check with your conveyancing solicitor in Blackfriars to see if the conveyancing will be more expensive.

I've found a house that appears to be perfect, at a reasonable figure which is making it more attractive. I have just found out that the title is leasehold rather than freehold. I am assuming that there are particular concerns buying a house with a leasehold title in Blackfriars. Conveyancing lawyers have not yet been appointed. Will they explain the issues?

Most houses in Blackfriars are freehold and not leasehold. In this scenario it’s worth having a local solicitor used to dealing with such properties who can help the conveyancing process. We note that you are buying in Blackfriars so you should seriously consider looking for a Blackfriars conveyancing solicitor and check that they are used to transacting on leasehold houses. First you will need to check the unexpired lease term. As a lessee you will not be entirely free to do whatever you want with the house. The lease comes with conditions such as requiring the landlord’spermission to carry out changes to the property. It may be necessary to pay a maintenance charge towards the upkeep of the communal areas where the property is located on an estate. Your conveyancer should report to you on the legal implications.

I have tried to negotiate informally with with my landlord for a lease extension without getting anywhere. Can a leaseholder make an application to the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal? Can you recommend a Blackfriars conveyancing firm to represent me?

You certainly can. We can put you in touch with a Blackfriars conveyancing firm who can help.

An example of a Lease Extension decision for a Blackfriars flat is Flat 89 Trinity Court Grays Inn Road in February 2013. the Tribunal found that the premium to be paid by the tenant on the grant of a new lease, in accordance with section 56 and Schedule 13 to the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 should be £36,229. This case related to 1 flat. The number of years remaining on the existing lease(s) was 66.8 years.