How long does it normally take to get in contact with the "Management Company"

Lovem

We are getting no replys to anything (Solicitor and EA)

Is it normally a long process to get a leasehold signed over from one person to the next? ( not buying leasehold just have the new details transfer)

Shahni

Getting in contact with them isn't the issue, most will have telephone numbers and email addresses. But that's not to say it will be possible to obtain what you need from them immediately. Remind me, what is it you are waiting for from them?

marklee

What is the condition of the building like? If the freeholder is proving to be hard to get in touch with, I'd be worried about how well the building has been maintained over the years and how well the freeholder would manage any serious maintenance issues that may come up during your ownership...

Lovem

Shahni wrote: »

Getting in contact with them isn't the issue, most will have telephone numbers and email addresses. But that's not to say it will be possible to obtain what you need from them immediately. Remind me, what is it you are waiting for from them?

I am not sure the legal name for what we need but we need to get a piece of paper saying the charges for the lease. Also I assume we need a contract from them? as we will be taking it over when we buy the house

We need this before we can exchange contracts on the house. (House freehold, garden leasehold)

Lovem

marklee wrote: »

What is the condition of the building like? If the freeholder is proving to be hard to get in touch with, I'd be worried about how well the building has been maintained over the years and how well the freeholder would manage any serious maintenance issues that may come up during your ownership...

It is self managed. To be honest I am not even sure what we will be paying them for!

Shahni

There's a few different things your solicitor could be waiting for. Ask them to explain exactly what it is.

Your solicitors probably already have a copy of the lease as the Land Registry will have a copy so it is normally provided at the same time as the plans, copies of the register etc.

The lease will probably have clauses on what should happen when the lease is transferred. It is likely your solicitor will need to file a document called a Notice of Assignment, which is to formally notify the freeholder who the new leaseholder is, their address and about any mortgage. There's often a fee for this, so it might be that they are waiting for.

Some leases will also require a document called a Deed of Covenant, which is your agreement to follow the terms of the original lease. Again there is often a fee for this, and sometimes it is drafted by the freeholders solicitors fresh.

In addition some leases require another document called a Licence to Assign, or need to give a certificate to say certain sections of the lease have been complied with.

So really it could be any number of things your solicitor is waiting for, and the timescale will vary on what it is. Try and get your solicitor to explain more clearly what they need. Make them earn their fees

G_M

Pre-exchange you'll need confirmation the seller is paid up-to-date, and details of any planned major works on the building, as well as whether there is a contingency fund to pay for the works or whether you, as new lease owner, will have to pay.

Post-purchase, you'll need your ownership of the lease confirmed.

In both cases, you might get replies in a few days, or a few months.....

Lovem

Shahni wrote: »

There's a few different things your solicitor could be waiting for. Ask them to explain exactly what it is.

Your solicitors probably already have a copy of the lease as the Land Registry will have a copy so it is normally provided at the same time as the plans, copies of the register etc.

The lease will probably have clauses on what should happen when the lease is transferred. It is likely your solicitor will need to file a document called a Notice of Assignment, which is to formally notify the freeholder who the new leaseholder is, their address and about any mortgage. There's often a fee for this, so it might be that they are waiting for.

Some leases will also require a document called a Deed of Covenant, which is your agreement to follow the terms of the original lease. Again there is often a fee for this, and sometimes it is drafted by the freeholders solicitors fresh.

In addition some leases require another document called a Licence to Assign, or need to give a certificate to say certain sections of the lease have been complied with.

So really it could be any number of things your solicitor is waiting for, and the timescale will vary on what it is. Try and get your solicitor to explain more clearly what they need. Make them earn their fees

Brilliant thank you so much! Deed of Covenant I have seen this on the enquiries. Our offer from the Bank runs out in June so hopefully eveything is sorted!

Lovem

G_M wrote: »

Pre-exchange you'll need confirmation the seller is paid up-to-date, and details of any planned major works on the building, as well as whether there is a contingency fund to pay for the works or whether you, as new lease owner, will have to pay.

Post-purchase, you'll need your ownership of the lease confirmed.

In both cases, you might get replies in a few days, or a few months.....

It seems to be turning into a few months at this rate.