Last August we completed a house move in Colindale. We have since encountered a number of issues with the property which we suspect were missed in the conveyancing searches. Is there anything we can do? Can you clarify the nature of searches that should have been carried out for conveyancing in Colindale?

It is not clear from the question as to the nature of the problems and if they are relate to conveyancing in Colindale. Conveyancing searches and due diligence undertaken during the buying process are supposed to help avoid problems. As part of the process, a seller answers a questionnaire known as a SPIF. answers ends up being incorrect, you could possibly take legal action against the seller for any losses that you have suffered. The survey should have identified any problems with the structure of the property. Assuming a detailed survey was carried out and the issues were not identified, you may have a claim against the surveyor. However, if you did not have a full survey, you may be responsible for fixing any defects that have now been noted. We would always encourage buyers to take every possible step to ensure they are completely aware of the condition of a property before purchase regardless of whether they are buying in Colindale.

We see that you have a post code search directory listing law firms on the Nationwide conveyancing panel. Do companies pay you a referral fee if I appoint them for our conveyancing in Colindale?

We are a listing service only for law firms wishing to communicate if they are on the Nationwide conveyancing panel or other lender panels. We do not charge referral fees to any conveyancer that you subsequently appoint for your conveyancing in Colindale.

I am looking for a leasehold apartment up to £235,500 and identified one close by in Colindale I like with a park and transport links in the vicinity, the downside is that it only has 52 years on the lease. I can't really find anything else in Colindale for this price, so just wondered if I would be making a mistake purchasing a lease with such few years left?

If you need a home loan that many years may be a potential deal breaker. Discount the price by the amount the lease extension will cost if it has not already been discounted. If the current proprietor has owned the property for at least twenty four months you can ask them to commence the lease extension formalities and then assign it to you. An additional ninety years can be extended on to the existing lease term and have £0 ground rent by law. You should consult your conveyancing lawyer concerning this.

I have recently realised that I have 68 years unexpired on my lease in Colindale. I am keen to extend my lease but my freeholder is missing. What are my options?

If you qualify, under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 you can submit an application to the County Court for an order to dispense with the service of the initial notice. This will mean that your lease can be extended by the Court. However, you will be required to prove that you or your lawyers have made all reasonable attempts to find the lessor. On the whole an enquiry agent should be helpful to carry out a search and to produce a report to be accepted by the court as evidence that the freeholder is indeed missing. It is wise to seek advice from a solicitor both on devolving into the landlord’s disappearance and the vesting order request to the County Court covering Colindale.

I have tried to negotiate informally with with my landlord for a lease extension without success. Can the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal adjudicate on such issues? Can you recommend a Colindale conveyancing firm to help?

Most certainly. We can put you in touch with a Colindale conveyancing firm who can help.

An example of a Lease Extension matter before the tribunal for a Colindale premises is 27B Hillside in February 2010. the resulting premium, all other aspects of the valuation having been agreed between the parties was set at £8,250 This case affected 1 flat. The number of years remaining on the existing lease(s) was 70.25 years.

My partner is buying a ground floor flat in Colindale. He was given a quote by the property lawyer recommended by the estate agents and it came to £1385 . It was ten years ago I sold and bought a property and the bill was £440. Have fees really gone up that much?

What does the conveyancing estimate include? Is it just for the legal fees, or what you will be paying in total (for example Colindale searches, land registry fees, etc)