Last June we completed a house move in Harmondsworth. We have noticed several problems with the property which we believe were omitted in the conveyancing searches. Do we have any recourse? Can you clarify the nature of searches that should have been ordered for conveyancing in Harmondsworth?

The query is vague as to the nature of the problems and if they are specific to conveyancing in Harmondsworth. Conveyancing searches and investigations undertaken during the legal transfer of property are carried out to help avoid problems. As part of the legal transfer of property, a seller completes a document known as a Seller’s Property Information Form. If the information ends up being incorrect, then you may have a claim 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 Harmondsworth.

Completed the sale of my flat in Harmondsworth last July yet the purchaser is texting every few hours to say her conveyancer is waiting to hear from mine. What are the post completion sale formalities now that I have sold?

Following your sale your lawyer should forward the transfer documentation and all supplemental paperwork to the buyer’s lawyers. Depending on the transaction, your solicitor should also confirm that the legal charge in favour of the lender has been repaid to the buyers solicitors. There are no post completion tasks peculiar conveyancing in Harmondsworth.

I have recentlydiscovered that Stirling Law have been shut down. They carried out my conveyancing in Harmondsworth for a purchase of a leasehold apartment 18 months ago. How can I check that the property is registered correctly in the name of the previous owner?

The easiest method to check if the property is registered to you, you can make a search of the land registry (£3.00). You can either do this yourself or ask a law firm to do this for you. If you are not registered you can seek help from one of a number of Harmondsworth conveyancing specialists.

I am looking for a flat up to £305k and identified one near me in Harmondsworth I like with open areas and railway links in the vicinity, however it's only got 52 remaining years left on the lease. There is not much else in Harmondsworth for this price, so just wondered if I would be making a grave error purchasing a lease with such few years left?

If you require a home loan that many years will likely be problematic. Discount the offer by the amount the lease extension will cost if not already taken into account. If the existing proprietor has owned the premises for at least 2 years you can request that they start the process of the extension and then assign it to you. You can add 90 years to the existing lease and have £0 ground rent by law. You should speak to your conveyancing solicitor about this.

I today plan to offer on a house that seems to tick a lot of boxes, at a great price which is making it all the more appealing. I have since found out that it's a leasehold as opposed to freehold. I am assuming that there are issues buying a house with a leasehold title in Harmondsworth. Conveyancing solicitors have are soon to be instructed. Will my lawyers set out the risks of buying a leasehold house in Harmondsworth ?

Most houses in Harmondsworth are freehold rather than leasehold. In this scenario it’s worth having a local conveyancer who is familiar with the area who can help the conveyancing process. We note that you are purchasing in Harmondsworth so you should seriously consider looking for a Harmondsworth conveyancing solicitor and check that they are used to advising on leasehold houses. First you will need to check the number of years remaining. As a lessee you will not be at liberty to do whatever you want with the house. The lease comes with conditions for example requiring the freeholder’sconsent to carry out alterations. You may also be required to pay a service charge towards the upkeep of the communal areas where the property is located on an estate. Your solicitor should appraise you on the various issues.

I am the registered owner of a second floor flat in Harmondsworth. In the absence of agreement between myself and the landlord, can the Leasehold valuation Tribunal make a decision on the amount due for the purchase of the freehold?

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

An example of a Freehold Enfranchisement case for a Harmondsworth flat is 164 Nestles Avenue in October 2013. The tribunal agreed with the proposed price of £20,158 for the freehold and determined that that sum is the amount to be paid into court This case affected 2 flats. The unexpired lease term was 69 years.