Freeholder query

linda.b_4

We are waiting to exchange contracts. the house is leashold so our sols are waiting for info from freeholder on length of lease and ground rent. We already know this info through vendor (963 years left and £25 a year rent) who has all receipts etc. Sols wont do anything till they get "official" confirmation from freeholder, but we've heard that they can take weeks to impart with this info. Is there nothing we can do to go ahead with sale pending this info coming, insurance or something? Its now the only hold up and we just want to get moving!Thanks

molotov_3

Shouldnt go ahead without the info as you may find yourself bound by something not very nice (e.g. high ground rent) your solicitors are doing there job properly, unfortunately the delay (although a pain) is necessary. Sorry!

dander

What guarantee do you have that the vendor is telling the truth? None.
How can you get a guarantee? Have the solicitor make the relevant checks with the freeholder.

Any solicitor would be negligent to let you go ahead without information like that.

pipee

What about Maintenance, with most leasehold properties (if not all) there will have some kind of maintenance to pay

linda.b_4

Thanks for your replies. The vendor has all the receipts showing the ground rent is up to date. We've already signed the contract which has the years remaining on the lease. There is no maintenance because its a house on a housing estate and only ground rent is payable. I've a few friends on the estate and all pay the same £25 a year. Its just frustrating having to wait for this official info that I already know to be true. Even if the ground rent was a lot more we would still buy the house as its a nice area near my sons school.

pipee

Can you not get the details of the freeholder yourself (from your friends on the estate) and give them a call or even go round there and pick them up yourself?