Are the BSA intent on creating a online directory to list firms on the conveyancing panel for example in Tidworth?

We have not been informed any intention on the part of the BSA to develop such a register.

Are there restrictive covenants that are commonly picked up during conveyancing in Tidworth?

Covenants that are restrictive in nature can be picked up when reviewing land registry title as part of the legal transfer of property in Tidworth. An 1874 stipulation that was seen was ‘The houses to be erected on the estate are each to be of a uniform elevation in accordance with the drawings to be prepared or approved by the vendor’s surveyor…’

Just had an offer accepted on a new build apartment in Tidworth. Conveyancing is necessary evil at the best of times but I have never purchased a new build flat before. Can you give me some examples of some of the questions asked in new build conveyancing.

Set out below is a sample of a selection of leasehold new build enquiries that you can expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Tidworth

Will control of the Management Company (if any) be handed over to purchasers on completion of the last sale or earlier? Has the Lease plan been approved by the Land Registry and if not when will they be lodged for this purpose? The Landlord must covenant to assume the management if the Management Company goes into liquidation or otherwise defaults in running the management scheme. Please supply evidence that the form of Lease proposed has been approved by the Land Registry. The Vendor must covenant to keep unoccupied units in good repair until long leases are granted therefore.

Over the last few months I have been searching for a flat up to £235,500 and found one close by in Tidworth I like with open areas and transport links in the vicinity, however it only has 61 years unexpired on the lease. I can't really find anything else in Tidworth for this price, so just wondered if I would be making a grave error buying a short lease?

Should you need a mortgage that many years may be an issue. Discount the price by the amount the lease extension will cost if not already taken into account. If the existing proprietor has owned the property for a minimum of 2 years you could request that they start the process of the extension and pass it to you. You can add 90 years to the existing lease with a zero ground rent applied. You should speak to your conveyancing solicitor about this matter.

I am hoping to put an offer on a small detached house that appears to meet my requirements, at a reasonable figure which is making it all the more appealing. I have subsequently discovered that it's a leasehold rather than freehold. I am assuming that there are issues purchasing a house with a leasehold title in Tidworth. Conveyancing advisers have not yet been instructed. Will my lawyers set out the implications of buying a leasehold house in Tidworth ?

The majority of houses in Tidworth are freehold and not leasehold. This is one of the situations where having a local solicitor used to dealing with such properties who can help the conveyancing process. We note that you are buying in Tidworth in which case you should be shopping around for a Tidworth conveyancing solicitor and check that they are used to transacting on leasehold houses. First you will need to check the unexpired lease term. Being a leaseholder you will not be at liberty to do whatever you want with the house. The lease comes with conditions such as requiring the freeholder’spermission to carry out changes to the property. It may be necessary to pay a service charge towards the maintenance of the estate where the house is located on an estate. Your lawyer should appraise you on the various issues.