Buying or selling a leasehold flat: process and timing

There is no fixed timescale for buying a flat. A straightforward transaction may take around 12 weeks, but this can vary.

Delays can occur due to long property chains, slow responses to enquiries, or delays in receiving search results.

When you buy a property, your solicitor carries out searches to investigate whether the property is suitable to purchase.

These usually include:

• an environmental search, which looks for contamination or flooding risks
• a local authority search, which checks planning issues, conservation status and proposed works
• drainage search, which shows the sewerage and water supply arrangements

The LPE1 form is sent to the landlord or managing agent during the conveyancing process. It asks questions about service charges, ground rent, insurance, planned works and other matters affecting the building (for example flats in buildings with unsafe cladding or historic fire safety issues).

The information provided helps buyers decide whether to proceed. You should carefully review the replies and raise any concerns with your solicitor.

If a landlord delays responding to enquiries, it can be frustrating. As you are not yet the leaseholder, you have no legal relationship with the landlord and your solicitor cannot force them to reply.

The best option is for your solicitor to continue chasing the landlord or managing agent.

Completion usually takes place 7 to 28 days after contracts are exchanged.

On completion day, the lender sends the purchase money to your solicitor after receiving the Certificate of Title. Once the seller’s solicitor receives the funds and dates the transfer deed, completion has taken place and you can collect the keys.

Your conveyancer will obtain title information from the Land Registry, which includes details about ownership and restrictions affecting the property.

You can ask your conveyancer to provide copies, or you can order them directly from the Land Registry for a fee.

Once your purchase is completed, your name will be registered as the owner at the Land Registry.

The Land Registry record shows the property address, ownership details and whether it is leasehold or freehold. This public record is proof of ownership.

When selling, you should try to obtain a management pack from the landlord or managing agent. This usually includes replies to the LPE1 form and information about service charges, insurance, planned works and arrears.

Landlords are not legally obliged to provide this information, but most will do so. If they refuse, you may be able to negotiate or complain to a professional body or ombudsman scheme.