First time buyers, raising enquiries with solicitors

[bainbridge]

Hi all

According to the solicitors app we're 61% towards completion. Mortgage offer has been received and we've received lots of info about the property but that's raised a question about boundary fences.

The plan shows the boundary of the property which matches with google maps which is great, however there's no mention of who owns the boundary fences. The property information questionnaire completed by the vendor says the front and rear boundary fences are our responsibility, which is obvious because nobody backs onto us, but she's marked the left and right side boundaries as 'unknown'.

One of the steps towards completion is 'raising enquiries'. Do we get to solicitors to find the answer to the above question by 'raising an enquiry'?

Sorry if it seems a daft question but it's all new to us!

 

[bainbridge]

Thanks for the replies folks, I'll asl sols to check the deeds.

My main reason for wanting to know is that since our offer was accepted storm Dennis blew down 5 fence panels in the back garden, 2 either side and one at the back. Cj hole assured us that their property management team will replace them in time for the exchange, so I initially thought all the fences were ours, but I've since found out that cj hole are also managing the lease for the outgoing tenants, so I really don't know.

The fence panels are untreated and hanging but the concrete posts are solid, I'll replace them all if I have to, but want to know the legal side fully first.

 

[bainbridge]

Hang on a second, what are you buying here? A leasehold house or flat?

I've posted similar advice in the other post about fences, the deeds likely won't have anything marked on them. Original transfers might, if you can get hold of them. If there is a managing agent involved and is going to replace them prior to your completion, then that shouldn't be at your cost. However, it might come up on the finances after you've bought it...that beign said, if they're saying they're doing it then it's your fence and the bills from said fence will be yours to pay (split between however many leaseholders there are)...

It's a freehold end terrace house. The estate agents dealing with the sale also happen to be the letting agents for the current tenants - at least that's my understanding.

 

[bainbridge]

Assuming your moving in you need to make sure the landlord has taken back possession of the property and the contract with the tenants has been terminated before you exchange.

Yes that's sorted, tenants have been given notice and their tenancy ends 23/4