I am considering applying for a Barclays mortgage for purchase of a newly converted (under development) in Clayhall with 65 per cent loan to value. Is it compulsory to choose a solicitor on the conveyancing panel for Barclays ?

In theory, you could use a solicitor that is not on the Barclays conveyancing panel, but Barclays would require one of their panel solicitors to be instructed to act in their interests, and you'd have to pay for this - so most people instruct a panel solicitor. It's also easier, as otherwise you'd have to deal with two solicitors for the same conveyancing matter.

I used Wolstenholmes several years ago for my conveyancing in Clayhall. I now require my file but the law firm is no longer operating. What do I do?

You should call the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) to assist in tracking down your conveyancing files. They can be contacted on please contact on 0870 606 2555. Alternatively, you should use their online form to make an enquiry. You will need to provide the SRA with as much information as possible to assist their search, including the name and address in Clayhall of the conveyancing firm of solicitors you previously retained, the name of conveyancing solicitor with whom you had dealings, and the date on which you last had dealings with the firm.

I am looking for a leasehold apartment up to £195,000 and found one near me in Clayhall I like with amenity areas and transport links nearby, however it's only got 61 years unexpired on the lease. I can't really find anything else in Clayhall in this price bracket, so just wondered if I would be making a mistake purchasing a lease with such few years left?

Should you need a home loan the remaining unexpired lease term will be an issue. Reduce the price by the expected lease extension will cost if not already taken into account. If the existing owner has owned the premises for a minimum of 2 years you may request that they start the process of the extension and pass it to you. An additional ninety years can be extended on to the existing lease with a zero ground rent applied. You should speak to your conveyancing lawyer concerning this matter.

I need to instruct a conveyancing solicitor for residential conveyancing in Clayhall. I have land on a web site which appears to be the ideal offering If it is possible to get all this stuff done via email that would be ideal. Should I be wary? What should out be looking out for?

As usual with these online conveyancers you need to read ALL the small print - did you notice the extra charge for dealing with the mortgage?

I own a two-bedroom flat in Clayhall. Given that I can not reach agreement with the landlord, can the Leasehold valuation Tribunal make a decision on the amount due for the purchase of the freehold?

if there is a absentee landlord or where there is dispute about what the lease extension should cost, under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 you can apply to the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal to judgment on the price payable.

An example of a Freehold Enfranchisement case for a Clayhall property is 59 & 59a Clarendon Gardens in February 2014. The Tribunals valuation for the freehold was £30,073.00 The unexpired residue of the current lease was 65 and 61.

What makes a Clayhall lease unacceptable for security purposes?

Leasehold conveyancing in Clayhall is not unique. All leases are drafted differently and drafting errors can sometimes mean that certain clauses are wrong. The following missing provisions could result in a defective lease:

A provision to repair to or maintain parts of the building Clauses dealing with recovering service charges for expenditure on the building or common parts.

You could have a problem when selling your property if you have a defective lease primarily because it impacts on the ability to obtain a mortgage on the property. Barclays , The Royal Bank of Scotland, and TSB all have express requirements when it comes to what is expected in a lease. Where a lender has been advised by their lawyers that the lease does not cover certain provisions they may refuse to provide security, forcing the purchaser to pull out.