How long for conveyancing of a leasehold flat?

8 replies

Bibidy · 31/08/2018 14:23

I instructed solicitors in mid-July to handle the purchase of a one-bed leasehold flat (no chain on either side). It's now the end of August and I haven't heard anything from them at all...is this normal?

The only times I have heard anything are the two times I've chased - the first time they said they were still waiting for the draft contract from the seller's solicitors, so I contacted the seller myself and the contract was sent. The second time (last week), they said they are now waiting for the lease from the seller's solicitor, and haven't done the searches yet as they don't want to do them without seeing the lease first in case there are any issues.

I am a first time buyer so have no idea what's normal or how long things are meant to take....is it normal to have heard nothing after nearly 6 weeks?

There is no estate agent as seller is using Purple Bricks, so no middle man to chase either party.

OP posts:

Original poster

Bibidy · 31/08/2018 14:51

It's so frustrating as I thought it would be pretty quick with no chain!

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BubblesBuddy · 31/08/2018 15:25

They can do the searches. They will cost money of course so they might be cautious without sight of the lease. This is pathetically slow though. Can your solicitor give the sellers solicitor a kick? Why no lease? You will then have queries on the lease to sort out. If you are happy to go ahead with searches, ask for this.

Original poster

Bibidy · 31/08/2018 15:43

I have already paid them an advance of £400 which I assume was for the searches. I don't know whether to tell them to just go ahead with searches or not as I know nothing about the process so don't know what impact it would have to do them without sight of the lease. I guess if there is a problem with the lease the searches are pointless?

It's so frustrating to just hear nothing from them at all. I have contacted the solicitor again today but doubt I'll hear back so will have to call on Monday.

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Rarfy · 31/08/2018 15:48

Hi bibidy i dont know the answer but in a similar situation so thought i would hop on. Not heard anything from solicitors apart from initial paperwork and when we have chased and chased and eventually they have half responded to one query but no others. So frustrating.

Original poster

Bibidy · 31/08/2018 15:51

Isn't it Rarfy!

I haven't heard anything since my initial paperwork either, I would at least have expected to get some kind of communication by now?

I even had to chase them for the initial paperwork so not feeling too confident about them tbh.

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JellieEllie · 31/08/2018 16:12

I used to be a conveyancer and can tell you that you are looking at about 4-6 months for completion providing there are no complications.
The process goes as follows;
Receive instruction from buyer/seller
Run Identity checks, send out fittings & contents form and property information forms.
Obtain title deeds, official copies from Land Registry.
Request draft contracts from the other side.
Title check will be ran on deeds.
Pre contract enquiries will then be sent to other side.
Contracts exchange.
Transfer deeds will be checked.
Completion can take place.

All of these do take some time especially with the title checks and leasehold information but be rest assured the process should be straightforward if there is no chain involved. Hope this helps you to see where you are at in the process

JellieEllie · 31/08/2018 16:32

Would also advise strictly do not go ahead with searches without the proper checks. There are reasons they are carried out.

Spickle · 31/08/2018 19:56

My DS is buying a leasehold flat. Process started in April and still waiting for final replies to enquiries........ how long is a piece of string comes to mind.

Flip