As someone not used to the Honiton conveyancing process what is your top tip you can impart concerning the legal transfer of property in Honiton

Not many law firms shout this from the rooftops but conveyancing in Honiton or throughout England and Wales is often a confrontational process. In other words, when it comes to conveyancing there is an abundance of opportunity for conflict between you and others involved in the legal transfer of property. E.g., the seller, property agent and even potentially the bank. Choosing a lawyer for your conveyancing in Honiton should not be taken lightly as your conveyancer is your adviser, and is the SOLE person in the process whose role it is to look after your legal interests and to keep you safe.

Every so often a potential adversary will attempt to sway you that it is in your interests to do things their way. For instance, the estate agent may claim to be helping by claiming that your lawyer is wrong. Or your financial adviser may try to convince you to do something that is against your solicitors recommendation. You should always trust your lawyer above all other parties in the home moving process.

Are the BSA planning on creating a search tool with a view to to identify firms on the Earl Shilton BS conveyancing panel for instance in Honiton?

We have not been informed any plans on the part of the BSA to develop such a search facility.

I am looking for a leasehold apartment up to £245,000 and found one round the corner in Honiton I like with a park and station nearby, however it's only got 49 years unexpired on the lease. I can't really find anything else in Honiton in this price bracket, so just wondered if I would be making a mistake buying a short lease?

If you require a mortgage that many years will be an issue. Reduce the price by the anticipated lease extension will cost if it has not already been discounted. If the existing proprietor has owned the premises for at least 2 years you may ask them to start the process of the extension and then assign it to you. An additional ninety years can be extended on to the current lease and have £0 ground rent by law. You should speak to your conveyancing solicitor concerning this matter.

We are one month into a residential purchase having been recommend to solicitors by the high street agent to handle our conveyancing in Honiton. I am am very disappointed with the level of service. Could you you assist me in finding new conveyancers?

They would have to be very poor to suggest diss instructing them. Has your mortgage been issued? In the event that it has you need to advise them of the new contact details and ensure the mortgage documents are issued to the new lawyers. The solicitor ideally should be on the mortgage company approved list to avoid escalating fees and frustration. That should be your first question of the new lawyers. The find a solicitor tool will assist you in finding a lender approved solicitor for your conveyancing in Honiton

Can you offer any advice when it comes to finding a Honiton conveyancing practice to carry out our lease extension conveyancing?

If you are instructing a property lawyer for lease extension works (regardless if they are a Honiton conveyancing firm) it is essential that he or she should be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of work. We suggest that you speak with two or three firms including non Honiton conveyancing practices prior to instructing a firm. If the firm is ALEP accredited then that’s a bonus. The following questions could be of use:

Can they put you in touch with clients in Honiton who can give a testimonial?

I purchased a 1 bedroom flat in Honiton, conveyancing was carried out 9 years ago. Can you work out an approximate cost of a lease extension? Equivalent properties in Honiton with an extended lease are worth £255,000. The ground rent is £45 per annum. The lease expires on 21st October 2099

With just 74 years remaining on your lease we estimate the premium for your lease extension to span between £8,600 and £9,800 plus professional fees.

The suggested premium range above a general guide to costs for renewing a lease, but we are not able to provide the actual costs without more comprehensive investigations. Do not use this information in tribunal or court proceedings. There may be additional concerns that need to be taken into account and clearly you should be as accurate as possible in your negotiations. You should not take any other action based on this information before getting professional advice.