I have todaydiscovered that Arc property Solicitors have closed. They conducted my conveyancing in Barking for a purchase of a leasehold flat 12 months ago. How can I establish that the property is not still registered in the name of the former proprietor?

The easiest method to see if the premises is in your name, you can carry out a search of the land registry (£3.00). You can either do this yourself or ask a law firm to do this for you. If you are not registered you can seek help from one of a number of Barking conveyancing specialists.

How does conveyancing in Barking differ for newly converted properties?

Most buyers of new build or newly converted property in Barking come to us having been asked by the seller to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the premises is built. This is because developers in Barking tend to acquire the real estate, 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 property lawyers 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 Barking or who has acted in the same development.

I am looking for a leasehold apartment up to £245,000 and identified one close by in Barking 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 Barking suitable, so just wondered if I would be making a mistake acquiring a lease with such few years left?

If you require a mortgage that many years will be an issue. Discount the offer by the anticipated lease extension will cost if it has not already been discounted. If the existing owner has owned the property for at least 2 years you can request that they start the process of the extension and then assign it to you. You can add 90 years to the existing lease with a zero ground rent applied. You should consult your conveyancing solicitor concerning this matter.

Is it simple use your search facility to find a conveyancing practitioner in Barking on the approved list for my bank?

Step one is to choose a lender such as HSBC Bank, The Royal Bank of Scotland or Aldermore then choose your preferred area for example Barking. Conveyancing firms in Barking and across England and Wales will then be shown.

How much should conveyancing in Barking cost?

Almost all Barking conveyancing practices will charge a fixed fee. If additional work arise during the conveyancing your conveyancing practitioner should inform you in writing of such further costs for such work as soon as it becomes obvious. Some work on a no completion no cost basis, others will levy an bill for a fraction of the agreed charges, calculated based on the point at which the conveyancing aborts.

It is advisable to seek various conveyancers to supply you an estimate.