I own a freehold residence in Crook but still invoiced for rent, why is this and what is this?

It’s unusual for properties in Crook and has limited impact for conveyancing in Crook but some freehold properties in England (particularly common in North West England) pay an annual sum known as a Chief Rent or a Rentcharge to a third party who has no other legal interest in the land.

Rentcharge payments are usually between £2.00 and £5.00 per year. Rentcharges date back hundreds of years, but the Rent Charge Act 1977 barred the establishment of fresh rentcharges post 1977.

Previous rentcharges can now be extinguished by making a lump sum payment under the Act. Any rentcharges that are still in existence after 2037 is to be dispensed with completely.

I am told that my conveyancing solicitors will need to check that the building insurance for my purchase of a house in Crook. My lender is The Mortgage Works

The Mortgage Works have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook. As of 19/7/2025, the requirements read as follows :

My relative advised me that where I am buying in Crook I should ask my conveyancer to execute a Neighbourhood, Planning and Local Amenity Search. What does it cover?

This is a search is sometimes quoted for as part of the standard Crook conveyancing searches. It is a large report of more than thirty pages, listing and detailing important information about Crook around the property and the people living there. It includes an Aerial Photograph, Planning Applications, Land Use, Mobile Phone Masts, Rights of Way, the Crook Housing Market, Council Tax Banding, the demographics of People living in the area, the dominant type of Housing, the Average Property Price, Crime statistics, Local Education with plans and statistics, Local Amenities and other useful data concerning Crook.

How does conveyancing in Crook differ for new build properties?

Most buyers of new build residence in Crook approach us having been asked by the developer to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the premises is built. This is because developers in Crook typically purchase the site, plan the estate and want to get the plots sold off as they are building the properties. Buyers, therefore, will have to exchange contracts without actually seeing the house they are buying. To reduce the chances of losing the property, buyers should instruct conveyancers as soon as the property is reserved and mortgage applications should be submitted quickly. Due to the fact that it could be several months and even years between exchange of contracts and completion, the mortgage offer may need to be extended. It would be wise to use a lawyer who specialises in new build conveyancing especially if they are accustomed to new build conveyancing in Crook or who has acted in the same development.

I am downsizing from my property. My previous conveyancers have shut. I would be grateful for any recommendation of a conveyancing firm. Im based in Crook if that affects matters.

Please use our search tool to help you choose a solicitor for your conveyancing in Crook. We have connected thousands of home buyers and sellers with lender approved solicitors to ensure that the legalities of their house move goes smoothly.