I have given 8 weeks notice to my existing landlord and have to leave my let out flat in Oakdale by 5/2/2026. Conveyancing for my house purchase has just started. Is it possible to complete in six weeks as don't want to have to find short term accommodation?

The normal practice is not to provide notice for your letting until you have exchanged. Assuming that you have not previously done so, speak to your solicitor and request that they cajole the sellers side, try to a target completion date that all parties will look to achieve

The Oakdale conveyancing firm that I appointed last week on my house acquisition in Oakdale have without warning shut down. I only went with them because I needed a lawyer on the Virgin Money conveyancing panel and my family Oakdale lawyer was not. I paid them funds on account. What do I do now?

Assuming that you have an Estate Agent in the equation then inform them straight away so that they advise the vendors that there may be a slight delay due to reasons beyond your control. Most sellers would be sympathetic and urge their lawyer to send a new set of papers to your new solicitors. You will need to appoint new lawyers that are on the Virgin Money conveyancing panel and notify the lender. If you have paid over any money, it will hopefully be held by the SRA as money in an intervened firm's bank accounts is transferred to the SRA. Then, the SRA or the intervention agent looks at the intervened firm's accounts to work out who the money belongs to. To claim your money you will need to contact the SRA. If the SRA cannot return money you are owed from the firm's bank accounts, or if they can only return part of the money, you can apply to the Compensation Fund for a grant. Your new solicitors should be in a position to assist.

Various internet forums that I have come across warn that are the primary reason for hinderance in Oakdale conveyancing transactions. Is that correct?

The Council of Property Search Organisations (CoPSO) has noted the determinations of a review by MoveWithUs that conveyancing searches do not figure amongst the most frequent causes of delays in the conveyancing process. Local searches are unlikely to be the root cause of holding up conveyancing in Oakdale.

I need to retain a conveyancing solicitor for leasehold conveyancing in Oakdale. I have discover a web site which appears to be the ideal solution If it is possible to get all formalities completed via phone that would be ideal. Should I be concerned? What should out be looking out for?

As usual with these online conveyancers you need to read ALL the small print - did you notice the extra charge for dealing with the mortgage?

I today plan to offer on a house that appears to meet my requirements, at a reasonable figure which is making it all the more appealing. I have just found out that it's a leasehold rather than freehold. I would have thought that there are issues buying a house with a leasehold title in Oakdale. Conveyancing solicitors have not yet been appointed. Will my lawyers set out the implications of buying a leasehold house in Oakdale ?

The majority of houses in Oakdale are freehold and not leasehold. In this scenario it’s worth having a local conveyancer who is familiar with the area who can assist with the conveyancing process. We note that you are purchasing in Oakdale in which case you should be looking for a Oakdale conveyancing practitioner and check that they have experience in dealing with leasehold houses. First you will need to check the unexpired lease term. As a lessee you will not be at liberty to do whatever you want with the house. The lease comes with conditions for example requiring the landlord’spermission to conduct alterations. You may also be required to pay a maintenance charge towards the maintenance of the communal areas where the property is part of an estate. Your lawyer should advise you fully on all the issues.

Leasehold Conveyancing in Oakdale - Examples of Questions you should ask before buying

Be sure to enquire if there is anything that is prohibited in the lease. For example it is very common in Oakdale leases that pets are not permitted in certain buildings in Oakdale. If you like the flatin Oakdale yet your dog can’t make the move with you then you will be presented with a difficult choice. The answer will be important as a) areas could cause problems for the block as the common areas may start to deteriorate if repairs remain unpaid b) if the tenants have a dispute with the managing agents you will need to have full disclosure You will want to find out as much as you can about the company managing the block as they can either make living at the property much simpler or problematic. Being a leasehold owner you will be in the clutches of the managing agents both financially and when it comes to day to day issues like the tidiness of the common parts. Ask other tenants what they think of their service. In conclusion, investigate as to the dates that you are obliged pay the service charge to the managing agents and precisely what it includes.