The Hoxton conveyancing firm handling our Hoxton conveyancing has spotted a discrepancy between the surveyor’s assumptions in the home valuation survey and what is revealed within the legal papers for the property. My solicitor has advised that he needs to ensure that the lender is OK with this discrepancy and is still content to lend. Is my solicitor’s stance right?

Your conveyancer must comply with the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook provisions which do require that your lawyer disclose any incorrect assumptions in the lender’s valuation report and the legal papers. Should you refuse to allow your lawyer to make the appropriate notification then your lawyer will have no choice but to discontinue acting for you.

I have Fifty Six years left on my lease and require a lease extension for my apartment in Hoxton. Conveyancing solicitors on the Accord Mortgages panel can deal with such extensions correct?

Most leasehold conveyancing experts should be able to deal with a lease extension. if you are getting a mortgage then your lender may insist that the lease be extended before competition. Accord Mortgages have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook in relation to minimum unexpired lease terms. As of 3/2/2026 the requirements read as follows :

I am intent on selling our property in Hoxton and the buyers lawyers are claiming that there is a possibility that the property was built land that was not decontaminated. A high street Hoxton conveyancer would know this is not the case. It does beg the question why the buyers instructed a factory type conveyancing firm as opposed to a conveyancing solicitor in Hoxton. Having lived in Hoxton for 4 years we know of no issue. Should we get in touch with our local Authority to seek confirmation need.

It would appear that you have a conveyancing solicitor already. Are they able to advise? You need to check with your lawyer before you do anything. It is very possible that once the local authority has been informed of a potential issue it cannot be insured against (a bit like being diagnosed with a serious illness and then taking out health insurance to cover that same illness)

I am looking for a flat up to £305k and identified one near me in Hoxton I like with amenity areas and transport links nearby, the downside is that it only has 52 remaining years left on the lease. There is not much else in Hoxton 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 mortgage the shortness of the lease may be problematic. Reduce the price by the expected lease extension will cost if not already taken into account. If the current proprietor has owned the property for at least twenty four months 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 term and have £0 ground rent by law. You should speak to your conveyancing lawyer about this.

Can you offer any advice when it comes to appointing a Hoxton conveyancing firm to carry out our lease extension conveyancing?

If you are instructing a conveyancer for your lease extension (regardless if they are a Hoxton conveyancing practice) it is imperative that they be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of work. We advise that you speak with two or three firms including non Hoxton conveyancing practices prior to instructing a firm. Where the conveyancing practice is ALEP accredited then that’s a bonus. The following questions might be useful:

How familiar is the firm with lease extension legislation? Can they put you in touch with clients in Hoxton who can give a testimonial?

I have given up seeking a lease extension in Hoxton. Can the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal adjudicate on premiums?

in cases where there is a absentee freeholder or where there is disagreement about what the lease extension should cost, under the relevant legislation it is possible to make an application to the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal to assess the sum to be paid.

An example of a Lease Extension decision for a Hoxton residence is 137 & 139 Haberdasher Street in December 2013. The Tribunal determines in accordance with section 48 and Schedule 13 of the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 that the premium for the extended lease for each Property should be £12,350.00. This case related to 2 flats. The unexpired residue of the current lease was 72.39 years.