It is is a decade since I bought my property in Markfield. Conveyancing lawyers have recently been instructed on the sale but I can't locate my title documents. Is this a problem?

You need not be too concerned. Firstly there is a chance that the deeds will be kept by the mortgage company or they may be in the possession of the solicitor who oversaw the purchase. Secondly in most cases the land will be registered at the land registry and you will be able to establish that you own the property by your conveyancing lawyers procuring up to date copy of the land registers. Almost all conveyancing in Markfield involves registered property but in the rare situation where your home is not registered it adds to the complexity but is not insurmountable.

My brother-in-law has suggested I instruct a conveyancing solicitor in Markfield. I I am struggling to find out whether they are accepted on the Barclays approved list of lawyers. Could you or the lender confirm if they are on the panel?

You should phone your conveyancer and ask them if they are on the lender panel. Alternatively you can call Barclays who may be able to confirm.

Despite weeks of looking the Title Certificate and documents to our property are lost. The solicitors who handled the conveyancing in Markfield 4 years ago are no longer around. Will I be able to sell the house?

These day there are copies made of almost everything, and your solicitor will be aware exactly where to locate all the relevant paperwork so you can purchase or dispose of your property without a hitch. If copies are not available, your lawyer can put in place insurance or indemnities protecting you against possible claims on the property.

How does conveyancing in Markfield differ for newly converted properties?

Most buyers of new build premises in Markfield contact us having been asked by the seller to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the premises is completed. This is because builders in Markfield tend to purchase 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 conveyancing solicitors 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 accustomed to new build conveyancing in Markfield or who has acted in the same development.

What advice can you give us when it comes to choosing a Markfield conveyancing practice to deal with our lease extension?

If you are instructing a conveyancer for lease extension works (regardless if they are a Markfield conveyancing practice) it is most important that they be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of work. We suggest that you speak with several firms including non Markfield conveyancing practices prior to instructing a firm. Where the conveyancing practice is ALEP accredited then so much the better. The following questions might be helpful:

Can they put you in touch with clients in Markfield who can give a testimonial? If they are not ALEP accredited then why not?

I purchased a 1 bedroom flat in Markfield, conveyancing formalities finalised October 2004. Can you give me give me an indication of the likely cost of a lease extension? Similar flats in Markfield with over 90 years remaining are worth £181,000. The average or mid-range amount of ground rent is £55 per annum. The lease finishes on 21st October 2075

With only 50 years remaining on your lease we estimate the premium for your lease extension to range between £32,300 and £37,400 as well as professional fees.

The figure that we have given is a general guide to costs for renewing a lease, but we are not able to provide a more accurate figure without more detailed investigations. Do not use this information in tribunal or court proceedings. There are no doubt additional concerns that need to be considered and clearly you want to be as accurate as possible in your negotiations. You should not take any other action placing reliance on this information without first seeking the advice of a professional.