Am I correct in assuming that the fact that my conveyancer in Wotton under Edge is not identified on my mortgage company's conveyancing panel that there is a problem with the quality of his work?

It would be unwise to jump to that conclusion. There are all sorts of perfectly reasonable explanations. Just recently a report by the solicitors regulator revealed 76% of law firms surveyed had been removed from at least one lender panel. The most common reasons for removal are: (1) lack of transactions (2) the solicitor is a sole practitioner (3) as part of the HSBC panel reduction (4) regulatory contact by SRA (5) accidental removal. Should you be concerned you should contact the Wotton under Edge conveyancing practice and enquire why they are no longer on the approved list for your mortgage company.

I have 70 years remaining on my lease and require a lease extension for my apartment in Wotton under Edge. Conveyancing solicitors on the Chelsea Building Society panel can deal with such extensions correct?

Most leasehold conveyancing experts should be able to deal with a lease extension. if you are getting a mortgage then your lender may insist that the lease be extended before competition. Chelsea Building Society have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook in relation to minimum unexpired lease terms. As of 1/12/2025 the requirements read as follows :

The estate agent has sent us the confirmation of our purchase of a new build apartment in Wotton under Edge. Conveyancing is necessary evil at the best of times but I have never purchased a new build flat before. What sort of enquires would be asked in new build legal work.

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

Forfeiture - bankruptcy or liquidation must not apply under this provision. 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 a car parking plan. Please confirm the Lease plans are surveyor prepared.

I am looking for a ground for flat up to £195,000 and identified one round the corner in Wotton under Edge I like with amenity areas and railway links nearby, the downside is that it's only got 51 remaining years left on the lease. There is not much else in Wotton under Edge for this price, so just wondered if I would be making a mistake acquiring a lease with such few years left?

If you require a home loan that many years may be problematic. Reduce the offer by the expected lease extension will cost if not already taken into account. If the current proprietor has owned the premises for a minimum of twenty four months you can ask them to start the process of the extension 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 speak to your conveyancing lawyer about this matter.

I’m about to sell my basement flat in Wotton under Edge. Conveyancing lawyers have not yet been instructed, however I have recently had a half-yearly maintenance charge demand – Do I pay up?

It best that you clear the maintenance contribution as you normally would because all ground rent and maintenance invoices should be allotted as part of the financial calculations for completion monies, so you will be reimbursed by the purchaser for the period running from after the completion date to the subsequent invoice 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. This will smooth the conveyancing process.

Leasehold Conveyancing in Wotton under Edge - A selection of Questions you should consider before Purchasing

Best to be warned whether redecorating or some other major work is pending that will be shared amongst the leaseholders and could well materially increase the the maintenance fees or necessitate a one time payment. It would be prudent to find out as much as possible concerning the managing agents as they can either make your life much simpler or much more difficult. Being a leasehold owner you will be in the clutches of the managing agents from a financial perspective and when it comes to practical matters like the cleanliness of the common parts. Ask other tenants what they think of their management. On a final note, be sure you know the dates that the maintenance fees are due to the relevant party and precisely what you get for your money.