The solicitor who assisted with my last purchase has sent a quote for £1150 for leasehold conveyancing in Bedminster. I’m looking to sell a Victorian house for £250,000. Is this too much? Is it in excess of what I should be paying for conveyancing in Bedminster?

The estimate does seem a tad overpriced. If you shop around you may be able to shave off some of the cost by as much as £100 plus VAT. On the other hand, you couldcome to regret opting for an an untested lawyer. If is important to ensure that the firm can also act for your mortgage company. You can use our search tool to select a Bedminster conveyancing practice on the lender’s approved list of lawyers which can often include conveyancing solicitors in Bedminster.

How does conveyancing in Bedminster differ for new build properties?

Most buyers of new build premises in Bedminster come to us having been asked by the builder to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the property is finished. This is because developers in Bedminster typically purchase the site, 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 conveyancers 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 used to new build conveyancing in Bedminster or who has acted in the same development.

I have been on the look out for a leasehold apartment up to £245,000 and found one close by in Bedminster I like with a park and railway links nearby, the downside is that it only has 51 years unexpired on the lease. I can't really find anything else in Bedminster in this price bracket, so just wondered if I would be making a grave error acquiring a lease with such few years left?

If you require a home loan the shortness of the lease may be an issue. Reduce the offer by the amount the lease extension will cost if it has not already been discounted. If the current proprietor has owned the premises for a minimum of twenty four months you can ask them to commence the lease extension formalities and pass it to you. An additional ninety years can be extended on to the current lease and have £0 ground rent by law. You should consult your conveyancing lawyer concerning this matter.

I want to sublet my leasehold flat in Bedminster. Conveyancing solicitor who did the purchase is retired - so can't ask her. Do I need to ask my freeholder for permission?

A small minority of properties in Bedminster do contain a provision to say that subletting is only allowed with permission. The landlord cannot unreasonably refuse but, in such cases, they would need to review references. Experience suggests that problems are usually caused by unsatisfactory tenants rather than owner-occupiers and for that reason you can expect the freeholder to take up the references and consider them carefully before granting permission.

Bedminster Conveyancing for Leasehold Flats - Sample of Questions you should ask before buying

You should be aware if it is fewer than 80 years it will have adverse implications on the marketability of the flat. Check with your lender that they are content with remaining years on the lease. A short lease means that you will almost definitely need a lease extension at some point and it is worth finding out what this will be. For most Bedminsterlease extensions you would need to own the premises for two years before you are eligible to extend the lease. How long is the Lease? Generally speaking the outlay for major works tend not to be wrapped into the maintenance charges, although some managing agents in Bedminster obliged leaseholders to pay into a reserve fund created for the specific purpose of establishing a fund for major works.

My brother-in-law has suggested I instruct a conveyancing solicitor in Bedminster. I need to find out if they are on the lender's conveyancing panel. Could you or the lender confirm if they are on the panel?

You should call the lawyer and ask them if they are on the lender's panel. If that does not help call us and we can investigate and revert. Should the firm not be on the lender panel we can certainly arrange a quality conveyancing solicitor in Bedminster on the approved list for your mortgage company.