Last June we completed a house move in Guildford. We have noticed several issues with the property which we consider were missed in the conveyancing searches. Do we have any recourse? What searches should? have been conducted for conveyancing in Guildford?

The query is not clear as to the nature of the problems and if they are unique to conveyancing in Guildford. Conveyancing searches and investigations undertaken during the legal transfer of property are designed to help avoid problems. As part of the legal transfer of property, the vendor fills in a form known as a Seller’s Property Information Form. If the information is inaccurate, 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 Guildford.

We are purchasing a property and require a conveyancing solicitor in Guildford who is on the Aldermore solicitor panel. Could you point me in the right direction as regards a conveyancing firm?

Our service is limited to being a directory service for firms who wish to be listed as being on the approved conveyancing panel for Aldermore . We don't recommend any particular firms conducting conveyancing in Guildford.

Are there restrictive covenants that are commonly identified as part of conveyancing in Guildford?

Restrictive covenants can be picked up when reviewing land registry title as part of the legal transfer of property in Guildford. An 1874 stipulation that was seen was ‘The houses to be erected on the estate are each to be of a uniform elevation in accordance with the drawings to be prepared or approved by the vendor’s surveyor…’

Just had an offer accepted on a new build apartment in Guildford. Conveyancing is daunting at the best of times but I have never purchased a new build flat before. Can you give me some examples of some of the questions asked in new build legal work.

Set out below is a sample of a selection of leasehold new build enquiries that you can expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Guildford

Please provide evidence that the form of Lease proposed has been approved by the Land Registry. There must be mutual enforceability of lessee’s covenants. Please confirm the Lease plans are architect prepared. Will control of the Management Company (if any) be handed over to purchasers on completion of the last sale or earlier? Investor purchasers must be able to freely grant unsecured tenancies at market rents without requiring any consents.

Last May I purchased a leasehold house in Guildford. Do I have any liability for service charges for periods before completion of my purchase?

Where the service charge has already been demanded from the previous lessee and they have not paid you would not usually be personally liable for the arrears. Strange as it may seem, your landlord may still be able to take action to forfeit the lease. It is an essential part of leasehold conveyancing for your conveyancer to be sure to have an up to date clear service charge receipt before completion of your purchase. If you have a mortgage this is likely to be a requirement of your lender.

If you purchase part way through an accounting year you may be liable for charges not yet demanded even if they relate to a period prior to your purchase. In such circumstances your conveyancer would normally arrange for the seller to set aside some money to cover their part of the period (usually called a service charge retention).

Leasehold Conveyancing in Guildford - A selection of Questions you should consider Prior to Purchasing

You will want to discover as much as possible regarding the company managing the block as they will either make your living at the property much simpler or uncomfortable. As the proprietor of a leasehold property you will be in the clutches of the managing agents from a financial perspective and when it comes to practical issues like the cleanliness of the common parts. Ask other tenants what they think of them. In conclusion, find out the dates that the service charges are due to the appropriate party and precisely what it includes. Who is in charge of the building?