It is is a decade since I purchased my property in Radlett. Conveyancing solicitors have now been retained on the sale but I am unable to locate the title documents. Is this a major issue?

You need not be too concerned. Firstly the deeds may be retained by the lender or they may be archived with the conveyancers who oversaw your purchase. Secondly the chances are that the property will be recorded at the land registry and you will be able to prove you are the registered owner by your conveyancing lawyers acquiring current official copies of the land registers. Almost all conveyancing in Radlett relates to registered property but in the rare situation where your home is not registered it is more tricky but is not insurmountable.

I bought my home on 3 August and the transaction details is not yet on the land registry website. Should I be concerned? My conveyancing solicitor in Radlett advises it will be recorded inside ten days. Are properties in Radlett uniquely lengthy to register?

As far as conveyancing in Radlett registration is no faster or slower than anywhere else in the country. Rather than based on location, timescales can vary subject to who lodges the application, whether it is in order and whether the Land registry communicate with any 3rd parties. As of today roughly 80% of submission are completed in less than three weeks but some can be subject to longer delays. Historically registration takes place after the buyer has moved in to the premises thus post completion formalities is not typically top priority yet where it is urgent that the the registration takes place urgently then you or your solicitor can communicate with the Registry to express the reasoning for an expedited registration.

I've recently found out that there is a flying freehold issue on a house I put an offer in last month in what was supposed to be a quick, no chain conveyancing. Radlett is where the house is located. Can you shed any light on this issue?

Flying freeholds in Radlett are rare but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even though you don't necessarily need a conveyancing solicitor in Radlett you would need to get your solicitor to go through the deeds diligently. Your lender may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Radlett may determine that this is not enough and that the deeds be re-written to give you the most up to date legal protection. If so, the next door neighbour also had to sign up to the revised deeds.It is possible that your lender will not accept the situation so the sooner you find out the better. You should also check with your insurance broker as to whether they will insure a flying freehold premises.

My father-in-law has encouraged me to use his conveyancers in Radlett. Do I take his advice?

There are no two ways about it the best way to choose a conveyancing solicitor is to get feedback from friends or family who have experience in using the solicitor that you are contemplating using.

Why do Radlett conveyancing fees are more expensive for leasehold and freehold properties?

Inevitably there is increased work necessary in leasehold conveyancing. Radlett has many leasehold properties. There is more time involved in the purchase: for example, the lease and leasehold information (including up to date service charge, ground rent and buildings insurance details) obtained from the freeholder or managing agents. There are strict criteria that the lease must meet in order to be acceptable to a mortgage company. If it does not meet these requirements, the lease must be amended, which can involve additional expense for the seller.