I have given 2 months notice to my existing landlord and must leave my let out property in Lynmouth by the end of next month. Conveyancing for my house purchase is underway. Can I complete in three weeks as don't want to have to find short term accommodation?

It is unwise to provide notice on a rental unless you have exchanged. If you have not already done so, speak to your conveyancer and request that they seek the assistance the owners lawyers, try to a target completion date that everyone will aim towards

I am told that my conveyancing solicitors will need to check that the building insurance for my purchase of a house in Lynmouth. My lender is Nationwide Building Society

Nationwide Building Society have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook. As of 18/8/2025, the requirements read as follows :

How does conveyancing in Lynmouth differ for new build properties?

Most buyers of new build property in Lynmouth come to us having been asked by the developer to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the house is ready to move into. This is because house builders in Lynmouth typically acquire the site, plan the estate and want to get the plots sold off as they are building the properties. Buyers, therefore, will have to exchange contracts without actually seeing the house they are buying. To reduce the chances of losing the property, buyers should instruct conveyancers as soon as the property is reserved and mortgage applications should be submitted quickly. Due to the fact that it could be several months and even years between exchange of contracts and completion, the mortgage offer may need to be extended. It would be wise to use a lawyer who specialises in new build conveyancing especially if they are used to new build conveyancing in Lynmouth or who has acted in the same development.

I am looking for a ground for flat up to £195,000 and found one close by in Lynmouth I like with open areas and station in the vicinity, however it's only got 51 remaining years left on the lease. There is not much else in Lynmouth suitable, so just wondered if I would be making a mistake purchasing a short lease?

If you need a home loan the remaining unexpired lease term may be problematic. Discount the offer by the expected lease extension will cost if not already taken into account. If the existing owner has owned the premises for at least 2 years you may ask them to start the process of the extension and pass it to you. An additional ninety years can be extended on to the current lease term and have £0 ground rent by law. You should speak to your conveyancing solicitor regarding this.

Estate agents have just been given the go-ahead to market my 2 bed flat in Lynmouth. Conveyancing solicitors are to be appointed soon, however I have just received a quarterly service charge demand – Do I pay up?

The sensible thing to do is clear the invoice as you normally would because all ground rent and maintenance invoices will be allotted on completion, so you will be reimbursed by the purchaser for the period running from after the completion date to the next payment date. Most management companies will not acknowledge the buyer until the service charges have been paid and are up to date, so it is important for both buyer and seller for the seller to show that they are up to date. This will smooth the conveyancing process.

Lynmouth Leasehold Conveyancing - A selection of Queries Prior to buying

How many years remain on the lease? What restrictions are contained in the Lynmouth Lease? Please note if it is fewer than 80 years it will affect the value of the property. It is worth checking with your mortgage company that they are willing to lend given the lease term. A short lease means that you will probably need a lease extension sooner rather than later and it is worth discovering what this would cost. Remember, in most cases you would need to own the property for two years before you are entitled to extend the lease.