Joint Tenants vs. Tenants in Common - Understanding Joint Property Ownership

So, you’ve heard about maisonettes in your home search, but what are they really? Let’s dive into this guide to understand what a maisonette is and whether it could be your next home sweet home. What is the Definition of a Maisonette? The term 'maisonette' is difficult to define—it means different things depending on where you are. Originally from French, it translates to 'little house'. In the UK, a maisonette is a self-contained two-floor flat within a larger building, boasting its own staircase and entrance. You’ll often find them in converted period houses or above shops in town or city centres. In Scotland, a maisonette refers to a group of duplex flats stacked on top of each other in a housing block, accessed via a communal entrance. In the US, they’re often called duplexes due to the split-level layout and are typically the top floor of a high-rise building, akin to a penthouse. How Do Maisonettes Differ from Flats? Unlike flats, which are usually stacked vertically in a building with a shared entrance, maisonettes have their front doors leading directly outside. Maisonettes also span two floors, giving them a house-like feel compared to the single-level layout of flats. Additionally, while flats usually lack private outdoor space, maisonettes often come with their own garden or private access to communal outdoor areas. How Do Maisonettes Compare to Houses? Maisonettes share similarities with houses, like private gardens and garages, but they're smaller in size. A maisonette typically offers up to two bedrooms, whereas houses can have four or more. Houses also have attic space, which maisonettes lack. However, one of the major advantages of a maisonette is its affordability compared to a house. Are Maisonettes Leasehold or Freehold? This is an important question when considering a maisonette. If leasehold, you’ll pay ground rent to the freeholder. If you acquire the freehold, you might receive ground rent from other residents. Maisonettes come with unique responsibilities—like the first floor being responsible for the roof and guttering—different from flats or houses. Pros and Cons of Buying a Maisonette Pros: Affordability: Maisonettes are often more affordable than houses, making them great for first-time buyers. Unique Living: Maisonettes are often more bespoke and come with extra storage space like garages. Outdoor Space: Many maisonettes come with private gardens or access to outdoor areas. Cons: Limited Expansion: Maisonettes require planning permission for major renovations, unlike houses. Limited Space: Not ideal for growing families due to limited space compared to houses. Shared Responsibility: Exterior maintenance requires coordination with other occupants. Is a Maisonette Right for You? For first-time buyers or those seeking a manageable space, a maisonette could be perfect. However, if you’re planning for a growing family or large-scale expansions, a traditional house might suit better. Ready to Move? Contact butters john bee today to kickstart your moving mission. We're here to make your journey as smooth as possible.  

When you purchase a property, you acquire vital paperwork that proves your ownership—the property deeds. Here's a breakdown of what property deeds are, their significance, and how to keep them secure. What Are Property Deeds? Property deeds are legal documents that record ownership of a property and its associated land. These documents are maintained by HM Land Registry. It's mandatory to register a property with this body upon purchase, inheritance, receipt in exchange for other property or land, or when taking out a mortgage. Once a property is registered with the Land Registry, they retain a scanned copy of the original title deeds while returning them to the submitting party, typically the solicitor or conveyancer. Appearance of Property Deeds Title deeds are not typically physical papers unless they are the originals. Copies are electronically stored and updated with each property transaction, serving as an ongoing logbook of ownership changes. When you purchase a property, your solicitor will provide you with a copy of the 'registered title' within a month of completion. Land Registry Fees Fees for Land Registry applications vary based on the transaction type, such as first registration or property transfer. Your solicitor will discuss the exact costs applicable to your property. For detailed fee information, visit gov.uk. Do You Need Property Deeds to Sell a House? If your property is registered with the Land Registry, you don't require physical deeds to confirm ownership and proceed with a sale. The Land Registry holds the official record of ownership. However, retaining a copy of your deeds is advisable for additional information, such as legal boundaries. In cases where the property was already registered upon purchase, the seller may not provide the original deeds. It's challenging to trace original deeds for frequently sold properties. However, you can access scanned copies held by HM Land Registry by searching for your property's title number. Safekeeping of Property Deeds Given that HM Land Registry retains electronic copies, you can keep your own copy of property deeds at home for convenience. Store them alongside other important documents in a folder or filing cabinet to ensure they remain safe and accessible. What If Property Deeds Are Lost? While it's unlikely to lose digitally registered deeds, original deeds for unregistered properties must be safeguarded by the seller. If you misplace proof of ownership, contact the solicitors who handled the property's sale to submit a deeds request form to HM Land Registry. A small fee may apply for this service. If original deeds cannot be located, alternative evidence of ownership must be provided. Considering Buying a Property? At butters john bee, we're committed to facilitating your move. Our phone lines are open from 8am-10pm, seven days a week, or visit your local branch. Contact us today!