We see that you have a post code search directory listing firms on the Clydesdale conveyancing panel. Do companies pay you a commission if I retain them for our conveyancing in Cotham?

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

I have decided to exercise my right to buy my property in Cotham off the council. I have a mortgage offer with Aldermore. Conveyancing is not something I have any knowledge of. Can I proceed without a solicitor easily? I think we can but we keep being told I should have one. Any advice?

It is not advisable to proceed with a house purchase without a solicitor. The council's solicitor are not acting for you. You need a solicitor for a number reasons. One of which is to verify what plans the Council have for repairs and refurbishment for the next five years. Many leaseholders have been stung for contributions of thousands of pounds. In any event, if you are getting a mortgage with Aldermore, you will need to appoint a solicitor on the Aldermore conveyancing panel.

I have a mortgage with Lloyds for my property in Cotham. Conveyancing was finalised months ago. In the event that I decide to rent out the flat and do not currently have a buy-to-let mortgage do I need to remortgage to a buy-to-let mortgage or inform Lloyds?

Your original mortgage agreement with Lloyds will provide that you need their approval prior to letting out your property as this is likely to be a breach of Lloyds’s mortgage conditions. In many cases banks or building societies will allow you to rent out your former home without needing to switch to a buy-to-let mortgage but some lenders will add a surcharge to your mortgage rate to reflect the higher risk. You should contact Lloyds directly. You need not do this via a Lloyds conveyancing panel lawyer.

I can not fathom if my lender obliges me to make sure the lease term for the flat is extended prior to the completion date. I have telephoned my Cotham building society branch on various occasions and was informed it wasn't a problem and they would lend. My Cotham conveyancing solicitor - who is on the mortgage company conveyancing panel- telephoned to say that they would not lend based on their published requirements. Who do I believe?

Provided that the solicitor is on the bank approved list, they must comply with the CML Handbook provisions for the lender. Unless your lawyer obtains specific confirmation in writing that the lender will go ahead, your lawyer has no choice but to refrain from exchanging contract and committing you to the purchase. We would suggest that you ask the lender to contact your lawyer in writing confirming that they will accept the number of years left on the lease.

I need some fast conveyancing in Cotham as I am under an ultimatum to exchange contracts inside one month. Thankfully I do not need a mortgage. Can I escape the need for conveyancing searches to save money and time?

As you are not getting a home loan you have the choice not to have searches conducted although no law firm would recommend that you don't. With plenty of history conveyancing in Cotham the following are instances of issues that can crop up and therefore affect future saleability: Refused Planning Applications, Outstanding Charges, Outstanding Grants, Railway Schemes,...

I opted to have a survey completed on a property in Cotham ahead of instructing conveyancers. I have been told that there is a flying freehold element to the house. Our surveyor has said that some lenders may refuse to give a mortgage on a flying freehold property.

It depends who your proposed lender is. Lloyds has different requirements for example to Nationwide. If you e-mail us we can investigate further with the appropriate lender. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can help as they are accustomed to dealing with flying freeholds in Cotham. Conveyancing can be more complicated and therefore you should check with your conveyancing solicitor in Cotham to see if the conveyancing will be more expensive.

I am hoping to put an offer on a small detached house that appears to be perfect, at a reasonable figure which is making it more attractive. I have subsequently been informed that it's a leasehold rather than freehold. I am assuming that there are issues buying a leasehold house in Cotham. Conveyancing lawyers have are soon to be instructed. Will my lawyers set out the implications of buying a leasehold house in Cotham ?

The majority of houses in Cotham are freehold and not leasehold. In this scenario it’s worth having a local conveyancer used to dealing with such properties who can assist with the conveyancing process. It is clear that you are buying in Cotham so you should seriously consider looking for a Cotham conveyancing practitioner and be sure that they are used to advising on leasehold houses. First you will need to check the number of years remaining. Being a tenant you will not be entirely free to do whatever you want to the property. The lease comes with conditions such as requiring the landlord’spermission to carry out alterations. You may also be required to pay a service charge towards the maintenance of the communal areas where the property is located on an estate. Your conveyancer will advise you fully on all the issues.

Leasehold Conveyancing in Cotham - Examples of Questions you should ask Prior to buying

Does the lease contain onerous restrictions? Be sure to enquire if the the lease contains any adverse restrictions in the lease. By way of example it is reasonably common in Cotham leases that pets are not allowed in in a block in Cotham. If you love the apartmentin Cotham however your cat is not allowed to make the move with you then you will be presented with a hard determination. How many of the leaseholders are in arrears for their maintenance charge payments?