Will my conveyancing lawyers need to check that the building insurance when buying a house in Ripon. My lender is Platform

Platform have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook. As of 25/1/2026, the requirements read as follows :

I have a renovated Georgian property in Ripon. Conveyancing practitioner represented me and Halifax. I happened to do a free search for it on the Land Registry database and there are two entries: one for freehold, the second leasehold with the matching address. I'd like to know for sure, how can I find out??

You should read the Freehold register you have again and check the Charges Register as there may be mention of a lease. The best way to be sure that you are also the registered owner of the leasehold and freehold title as well is to check (£3). It is not completely unheard of in Ripon and other locations in the country and poses no real issues for owners other than when they sell they have to account for both freehold and leasehold interests when dealing with buyers. You can also check the situation with your conveyancing lawyer who completed the work.

I need to instruct a conveyancing solicitor for some conveyancing in Ripon. I have stumble upon a web site which seems to have the ideal offering If it is possible to get all this stuff done via email that would be ideal. Should I be wary? What are the potential pitfalls?

As usual with these online conveyancers you need to read ALL the small print - did you notice the extra charge for dealing with the mortgage?

Can you provide any top tips for leasehold conveyancing in Ripon from the point of view of expediting the sale process?

• Much of the frustration in leasehold conveyancing in Ripon can be bypassed where you instruct lawyers the minute you market your property and ask them to collate the leasehold documentation needed by the purchasers’ conveyancers.
If you have had conflict with your freeholder or managing agents it is very important that these are resolved before the property is put on the market. The purchasers and their solicitors will be reluctant to purchase a flat where there is a current dispute. You may need to swallow your pride and discharge any arrears of service charge or settle the dispute prior to the buyers completing the purchase. It is therefore preferable to have any dispute settled ahead of the contract papers being issued to the buyers’ solicitors. You will still have to reveal particulars of the dispute to the buyers, but it is better to present the dispute as historic rather than unresolved. You believe that you know the number of years left on your lease but you should verify this via your conveyancers. A purchaser's lawyer will not be happy to advise their client to to exchange contracts if the remaining number of years is less than 80 years. In the circumstances it is important at an as soon as possible that you identify whether the lease term requires a lease extension. If it does, contact your solicitors before you put your property on the market for sale. A minority of Ripon leases require Licence to Assign from the landlord. If this applies to your lease, you should notify your estate agents to make sure that the purchasers put in hand bank and professional references. The bank reference should make it clear that the buyer is financially capable of paying the yearly service charge and the actual amount of the service charge should be quoted in the bank’s letter. You will therefore need to provide your estate agents with the actual amount of the service charge so that they can pass this information on to the buyers or their lawyers.

Leasehold Conveyancing in Ripon - Sample of Questions you should ask before Purchasing

Its a good idea to find out as much as possible about the company managing the block as they will affect your use and enjoyment of the property. Being a leasehold owner you are frequently in the clutches of the managing agents from a financial perspective and when it comes to daily issues such as the upkeep of the communal areas. Ask other people what they think of their service. In conclusion, be sure you discover the dates that the service fees are due to the relevant party and precisely what you get for your money. Is anyone aware of any major works in the planning that could increase the service fees? How much is the ground rent and service charge?

What do I do if I am unhappy with the conveyancer who conducted my conveyancing in Ripon?

Occasionally the level of service you receive is not as you expect, and unfortunately occasionally things do go wrong. Nevertheless there is recourse if you were dissatisfied with your conveyancing in Ripon. This varies from trying to resolve matters directly with them, through to reporting a solicitor to their governing body. If you remain dissatisfied you may consider enlisting the help of the Legal Ombudsman.