Property with Leasehold and Freehold Titles

spinner_2

It turns out that when the previous owners of my house bought the freehold they left in place the leasehold title. This is not uncommon I understand. I am now looking to sell and am informed that this will increase the fees payable despite the leasehold title being effectively superceded. Does anyone know what should I expect in terms of additional conveyancing fees for this situation - thanks

user1977

I would expect no more than a token amount given there isn't a separate freeholder to deal with. If you need an accurate answer, ask your solicitor.

spinner_2

Unfortunately that's why I'm asking. The charge for handling the extra title is 25% of the total 500 inc vat.

gm0

Which is really quite a low number already. 

And there is nothing that can be done that wouldn't cost multiples of £125. 

Worth asking.  But nothing much to be done about it

spinner_2

Sorry I meant the charge is 500 inc vat for the extra title - the total is 2000 +vat

user1977

Have you shopped around?

spinner_2

This is the final charge - we only found out after they accessed the land registry 

eddddy

spinner_2 said:

I am now looking to sell and am informed that this will increase the fees payable despite the leasehold title being effectively superceded.

It will also increase the eventual buyer's legal fees.

(You should really make sure that the estate agent is aware of this, so that they can tell buyers that there will be extra complexity and fees during the conveyancing process.)


Even though you own the freehold...

• How many years remain on the lease?
• What is the ground rent specified in the lease? Does it increase?

Remaining years and ground rent often still need to be acceptable to a mortgage lender, even if you own the freehold.