Proof of share freehold from solicitor

daliflor

Dear Sir/Madam, I wonder if you could help me. Back in 2015 my neighbour and I decided to buy the freehold of our properties from the council. We asked a solicitor to help us out. I've got confirmation e-mail from solicitor that the freehold purchase of our properties has been finalised last year following payment but not other proof. Now, 5 years later, I've listed the property and the agent is asking for proof of share freehold. This particular solicitor is not answering to emails or calls for more than 4 weeks. I was wondering how to sort this matter out. Get a new solicitor? Or complain somewhere? Please help me, Olivia Pop.

eddddy

You can search for your property address on the Land Registry website, and download the freehold title register for £3. It should show you as owner (proprietor)....
Link:   https://eservices.landregistry.gov.uk/eservices/FindAProperty/view/QuickEnquiryInit.do


You mention "Share Freehold" - so I guess you mean you and your neighbour each own a flat/maisonette in the same freehold building.  So I expect you will be shown as joint owners (proprietors) of the freehold building.

davidmcn

daliflor said:

Get a new solicitor?

If you're selling then you'll want a solicitor anyway - so who were you planning to use? If your previous solicitor, then telling them you've got new business for them (if you haven't already) might prompt them to reply, though their lack of response so far would put me off. 

zagubov

It never ceases to amaze me how often  the dates solicitors take holidays match the days we move house.
The fact you've had no replies in four weeks is a strong warning to avoid.

daliflor

Much appreciate all replies. Thank you. 

daliflor

I still have a question please. If Land register shows still leasehold for my address then where to go from there? 

eddddy said:

You can search for your property address on the Land Registry website, and download the freehold title register for £3. It should show you as owner (proprietor)....
Link:   https://eservices.landregistry.gov.uk/eservices/FindAProperty/view/QuickEnquiryInit.do


You mention "Share Freehold" - so I guess you mean you and your neighbour each own a flat/maisonette in the same freehold building.  So I expect you will be shown as joint owners (proprietors) of the freehold building.

davidmcn

daliflor said:

I still have a question please. If Land register shows still leasehold for my address then where to go from there? 

eddddy said:

You can search for your property address on the Land Registry website, and download the freehold title register for £3. It should show you as owner (proprietor)....
Link:   https://eservices.landregistry.gov.uk/eservices/FindAProperty/view/QuickEnquiryInit.do


You mention "Share Freehold" - so I guess you mean you and your neighbour each own a flat/maisonette in the same freehold building.  So I expect you will be shown as joint owners (proprietors) of the freehold building.

If you've only got a share of your freehold then you'll still have sole ownership of your leasehold interest. The freehold title is registered separately. 

greatcrested

If the freehold is shown as being owned by the council, then for whatever reason your purchase was either not completed, or was completed but not registered.

ut cross that bridge when you come to it.

Start by checking as edddy suggests - it's only £3.00 and takes 5 minutes online.

Tiglet2

When you look on the Land Registry, there should be two leasehold titles (e.g  Flat 1 (you), 125 London Road, ABC Town and Flat 2 (neighbour), 125 London Road, ABC Town) and one freehold title (e.g. 125 London Road, ABC Town).  To see who owns the freehold title, you need to obtain the title for 125 London Road, ABC Town.   

From what you've said, the names on the freehold title should be you and your neighbour.  If it does not show you/your neighbour's names, then you would need to go back to the solicitor acting for you in 2015 and get them to sort it out, but you need to hurry as files can be destroyed after 6 years.  If your names are on the freehold title, then the solicitor has done their job, i.e. you and your neighbour are the registered proprietors of the leasehold title for your own flat, and are also the joint freeholders of the freehold title.

daliflor

greatcrested said:

If the freehold is shown as being owned by the council, then for whatever reason your purchase was either not completed, or was completed but not registered.

ut cross that bridge when you come to it.

Start by checking as edddy suggests - it's only £3.00 and takes 5 minutes online.

Is not about the money but for any reason I can't find the option to check online. I see only the option to get a specific form and send the request by post. 

eddddy

daliflor said:

greatcrested said:

If the freehold is shown as being owned by the council, then for whatever reason your purchase was either not completed, or was completed but not registered.

ut cross that bridge when you come to it.

Start by checking as edddy suggests - it's only £3.00 and takes 5 minutes online.

Is not about the money but for any reason I can't find the option to check online. I see only the option to get a specific form and send the request by post. 

You'll have to create an account in order to "buy" a copy of the title register - so you'll need to fill in an online form with your name, address etc.

But once you've done that, you'll be able to "buy" the document online, and download it (as a pdf file). Then you can open it and read it.