I require conveyancing for an apartment in a fairly new development (6 years old) in New Eltham. 95% of the appartments are already sold. Is it really necessary to order local searches as part of conveyancing in New Eltham?

A big part of the New Eltham conveyancing process is the conveyancing searches. There are a large number of companies delivering New Eltham conveyancing searches, as well straight from the local authority. These are generally termed personal search organisation and they produce, not surprisingly, personal searches. However, all Local Authority Search conveyancing products have one thing in common - they must obtain their data from the local authoritative source.

Do I have to visit the offices of the solicitor to execute the legal charge? If so, I will choose one who does conveyancing in New Eltham so that I can pop in to their offices if necessary.

These days approved lawyers for mortgage companies undertake their work via the post, internet or over phone calls. This enables them to undertake the legal work for your home move no matter where you live in the country. However you should check if you have the option of attending the offices of your conveyancing lawyer if just in case this is required.

I am looking for a leasehold apartment up to £305k and found one near me in New Eltham I like with amenity areas and railway links in the vicinity, however it's only got 51 years unexpired on the lease. There is not much else in New Eltham in this price bracket, so just wondered if I would be making a grave error buying a lease with such few years left?

Should you require a mortgage the shortness of the lease will likely be an issue. Discount 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 a minimum of twenty four months you may request that they commence the lease extension formalities and pass it to you. An additional ninety years can be extended on to the existing lease term and have £0 ground rent by law. You should consult your conveyancing lawyer regarding this matter.

Am I right to be suspicious that third parties that I am dealing with are encouraging me to use an online conveyancing firm as opposed to a High Street New Eltham conveyancing practice?

As is the case with many service providers, often input from connections can be most helpful. Nevertheless there are many players in a conveyancing deal; estate agents, financial adviser and mortgage companies may recommend solicitors to instruct. Sometimes the conveyancers might be known to one of the organisations as being good in their field, but occasionally there is an underlying financial incentive behind the endorsement. You are at liberty to choose your preferred lawyer. However, bear in mind that the majority of banks operate an approved list of solicitors you have to use for the mortgage related work in your transaction.

I have just started marketing my 2 bed flat in New Eltham. Conveyancing lawyers have not yet been instructed, but I have just received a yearly service charge demand – Do I pay up?

The sensible thing to do is pay the service charge as you normally would as all rents and maintenance charges 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 unless 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. Having a clear account will assist your cause and will leave you no worse off financially.

Notwithstanding our best endeavours, we have been unsuccessful in trying to reach an agreement for a lease extension in New Eltham. Can this matter be resolved via the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal?

Absolutely. We are happy to put you in touch with a New Eltham conveyancing firm who can help.

An example of a Lease Extension matter before the tribunal for a New Eltham premises is 103a Footscray Road in January 2014. The tribunal determines that the premium payable for the extended lease should be £34,500 according to the expert witness valuation calculation This case was in relation to 1 flat.