Freehold property turns out to be leasehold...

guzusan

GDB2222 said:

Okay, your seller has a lease for 69 years, but he also owns the freehold. So, really these two interests need to be combined into one. The email about extending the lease doesn't appear right.

Can I ask how you found your solicitor? Is this really a solicitor? You can check here:


Only, at this point, I'd be really seriously concerned about the competence of the person dealing with this on your behalf. 

I’m hoping I’m interpreting this the right way, as good news? 

Yeah, my solicitor comes up on there as registered. They’ve been good at communicating so far, but I’m surprised I’ve managed to confirm the title by spending £3 whereas they’re struggling to do so... Maybe they are a little incompetent. That being said, my case has been transferred between solicitors several times, with the person previous to my current one having been a ‘new starter, who subsequently left us’... So perhaps an intern and messed things up. 

AdrianC

Remember, the fact the seller owns the freehold doesn't necessarily mean the seller is including the freehold in the sale...

They own two things - the leasehold property, and the freehold.
Perhaps they're only selling one?
Perhaps they only sent details of the lease through with the draft contract, even though they are actually including the freehold in the sale?

Don't automatically assign blame. Ask your solicitor to confirm the inclusion of the freehold.

Then, if you want, you can cancel the lease and make the "house freehold".

loubel

Reply back to your solicitor (not copying in the people they sent the email to) letting them know that you are meant to be buying a freehold house and ask them to confirm whether the contract is for the freehold or leasehold as there seems to be some confusion. They should be able to clear this up easily.