I am buying a 4 bedroom semi-detached house in Boxmoor. We would like to an extension at the rear at the house.Will the conveyancing process involve checks to determine if these works were previously refused?

Your conveyancer will check the deeds as conveyancing in Boxmoor will sometimes reveal restrictions in the title deeds which prevent categories of changes or need the permission of a 3rd party. Many works require local authority planning consent and approval in accordance building regulations. Many locations are designated conservation areas and special planning restrictions apply which frequently prevent or impact extensions. It would be wise to check these things with a surveyor ahead of any purchase.

When it comes to lenders such as Nationwide, do Boxmoor property lawyers have to pay a fee to be on the conveyancing panel?

We are unaware of any lender fees to be on their list of approved firms, although some do charge an administration charge to deal with the processing of the conveyancing panel submission.

How can we tell if a Boxmoor conveyancing solicitor on the Lloyds panel is any good?

When it comes to conveyancing in Boxmoor getting recommendations is a sensible starting point. Before you go ahead, check if they offer a no sale no fee offer. Also, you often get what you pay for - a firm which quotes more, will often provide a better service than one advertising the lowest fees. We would always advocate that you speak with the lawyer conducting your transaction.

I have justfound out that Action Conveyancing have been shut down. They carried out my conveyancing in Boxmoor for a purchase of a leasehold flat 12 months ago. How can I check that my home is not still registered in the name of the former proprietor?

The easiest method to check if the premises is registered to you, you can make 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 Boxmoor conveyancing specialists.

How does conveyancing in Boxmoor differ for new build properties?

Most buyers of new build premises in Boxmoor come to us having been asked by the seller to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the residence is constructed. This is because house builders in Boxmoor 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 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 Boxmoor or who has acted in the same development.

I have been sourcing a conveyancing solicitor in Boxmoor for my house move. Can I see a solicitor's record with the legal regulator?

One may see published Solicitor Regulator Association (SRA) determinations stemming from inquisitions started on or after Jan 2008. Go to Check a solicitor's record. To find information Pre 2008, or to check a firm's record, phone 0870 606 2555, 08.00 - 18.00 Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and 09.30 - 18.00 Tuesday. For non-uk callers, use +44 (0)121 329 6800. The SRA sometimes monitor telephone calls for training reasons.

I've recently bought a leasehold flat in Boxmoor. Do I have any liability for service charges relating to a period prior to my ownership?

In a situation where the service charge has already been demanded from the previous owner and they have not paid you would not usually be personally liable for the arrears. However, your landlord may still be able to take action to forfeit the lease. A critical element of leasehold conveyancing for your conveyancer to ensure to have an up to date clear service charge receipt before completion of your purchase. If you have a mortgage this is likely to be a requirement of your lender.

If you purchase part way through an accounting year you may be liable for charges not yet demanded even if they relate to a period prior to your purchase. In such circumstances your conveyancer would normally arrange for the seller to set aside some money to cover their part of the period (usually called a service charge retention).

Boxmoor Conveyancing for Leasehold Flats - Sample of Queries Prior to Purchasing

Can you inform me if there are any major works in the near future that could increase the service charges? The answer will be helpful as a) areas can result in problems in the building as the communal areas may start to deteriorate if services remain unpaid b) if the tenants have a dispute with the running of the building you will want to have complete disclosure How long is the Lease?