Is there a reason why leasehold purchase conveyancing in Manchester is more expensive?

The conveyancing fees on a leasehold property in Manchester is inevitably more expensive as compared to a freehold residence. This is due to the additional investigations required in liaising with the landlord and management company to collate the information concerning whether the rent and maintenance charges have been discharged and whether there are any major works due in the foreseeable future on repairs or maintenance of the block.

My partner and I are downsizing from our house in Manchester and the buyers lawyers are claiming that there is a risk of it being built land that was not decontaminated. A local lawyer would know this is not the case. It does beg the question why the purchasers instructed a factory type conveyancing practice as opposed to a conveyancing solicitor in Manchester. We have lived in Manchester for 5 years we know of no issue. Should we contact our local Authority to obtain clarification that the buyers are looking for.

It sounds as though you may have a conveyancing solicitor already. What do they say? You need to enquire of 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 sickness)

How does conveyancing in Manchester differ for new build properties?

Most buyers of new build residence in Manchester come to us having been asked by the builder to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the property is ready to move into. This is because builders in Manchester tend to buy the land, 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 Manchester or who has acted in the same development.

Do I need to be wary by estate agents that I am dealing with are encouraging me to use an internet conveyancing firm rather than a High Street Manchester conveyancing company?

As with lots of professional services, often input from family and friends can be very helpful. Nevertheless there are lots of parties with a keen interest in a conveyancing transaction; estate agents, financial adviser and mortgage companies may put forward lawyers to retain. Sometimes these solicitors might be known to one of the organisations as experts in their field, but sometimes there exists a commercial relationship behind the endorsement. You are at liberty to select your preferred lawyer. Don't forget that many mortgage providers specify a panel list of solicitors you have to use for the lender related work in your conveyancing.

Can you provide any advice for leasehold conveyancing in Manchester with the intention of speeding up the sale process?

• Much of the frustration in leasehold conveyancing in Manchester can be avoided where you get in touch lawyers the minute you market your property and request that they start to put together the leasehold information which will be required by the buyers’ representatives.
In the event that you altered the property did you need the Landlord’s permission? Have you, for example laid down wooden flooring? Manchester leases often stipulate that internal structural changes or laying down wooden flooring require a licence issued by the Landlord acquiescing to such works. Where you dont have the approvals to hand do not contact the landlord without contacting your conveyancer first. You believe that you know the number of years remaining on your lease but it would be wise to double-check via your conveyancers. A purchaser's lawyer will not be happy to advise their client to where the lease term is less than 75 years. It is therefore important at an as soon as possible that you consider whether the lease term for your property needs extending. If it does, contact your solicitors before you put your home on the market for sale. If you are supposed to have a share in the freehold, you should make sure that you have the original share document. Arranging a duplicate share certificate can be a lengthy formality and slows down many a Manchester conveyancing deal. If a reissued share certificate is needed, do contact the company officers or managing agents (if relevant) for this at the earliest opportunity. Many freeholders or managing agents in Manchester charge for providing management packs for a leasehold premises. You or your lawyers should find out the actual amount of the charges. The management information sought on or before finding a buyer, thus reducing delays. The average time it takes to obtain the necessary information is three weeks. It is the most usual cause of delay in leasehold conveyancing in Manchester.

Leasehold Conveyancing in Manchester - Sample of Questions you should ask Prior to buying

Are there any major works in the planning that will increase the service fees? For most Manchester leaseholds the cost for major works tend not to be built into the service charges, although a few managing agents in Manchester require leasehold owners to pay into a reserve fund and this is used to offset against major repairs or maintenance. It is important to be aware if redecorating or some other major work is due shortly to be shared amongst the leaseholders and will dramatically increase the the service fees or necessitate a specific invoice.