I own a freehold residence in Elmstead but still charged rent, why is this and what is this?

It’s unusual for properties in Elmstead and has limited impact for conveyancing in Elmstead 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 have existed for hundreds of years, but the Rent Charge Act 1977 barred the generation of new rentcharges post 1977.

Old rentcharges can now be redeemed by making a one off payment under the Act. Any rentcharges that are still in existence after 2037 is to be extinguished.

We have a mortgage agreed in principle with Kent Reliance. Elmstead conveyancing lawyers have been instructed. How long does it take for Kent Reliance to forward the offer to the lawyer?

Some lenders take longer than others. Have Kent Reliance done the valuation? Have you informed Kent Reliance as to your lawyers' details and checked that your lawyers are on the Kent Reliance conveyancing panel? Sometimes it can take as long as six weeks for a mortgage offer to be issued.

I am buying a property in Elmstead. An unusual aspect is that the roof has a solar panel. Solicitors conducting should look into this right? Will my lender Lloyds be concerned?

Given that you are obtaining a mortgage with Lloyds your lawyer must check the conveyancing instructions set out in Section two of UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook for Lloyds. The CML Handbook contains minimum provisions for solar panel roof-space leases, and solicitors are required to report to Lloyds where a lease fails to satisfy these requirements. The requirements relate to the installation of panels on properties countrywide and is not limited to Elmstead.

Leeds Building Society have agreed my mortgage in principle, my bid on a flat in Elmstead has been agreed to, now what?

The estate agent will want to be advised as to your conveyancing practitioner's details (be sure the conveyancing practitioners are on the bank’s panel). Call up Leeds Building Society or your financial adviser and complete any appropriate forms. Leeds Building Society will appoint a valuer who will get in touch with the selling agent or seller to book an appointment. Once carried out (assuming no problems) it takes approximately a fortnight for the mortgage offer to be issued. Leeds Building Society will send the offer to you and your solicitors. The legal work will then take it’s course according the nature and complexity of the conveyancing in Elmstead.

I am buying a new build flat in Elmstead. Conveyancing is daunting at the best of times but I have never purchased a new build flat before. What sort of enquires would be asked in new build legal work.

Here are examples of a few leasehold new build enquiries that you should expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Elmstead

Will control of the Management Company (if any) be handed over to purchasers on completion of the last sale or earlier? The Vendor must covenant to keep unoccupied units in good repair until long leases are granted therefore. Please provide evidence that the form of Lease proposed has been approved by the Land Registry. Please confirm the Lease plans are architect prepared. The Lease must contain a provision on behalf of the Vendor to pay the service charges in respect of unoccupied units in order to ensure that all services can be provided.

How difficult is it to change solicitor as I need to appoint one who is on the Lloyds TSB Bank conveyancing list. I instructed a high street conveyancing solicitor in Elmstead round the corner but she is not accepted by Lloyds TSB Bank

We will our best to assist in finding you a conveyancing solicitor in Elmstead on the Lloyds TSB Bank panel. Please note that the property lawyers that we list do not pay us commission if you instruct them and are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority who regulate all conveyancing solicitors in Elmstead. In making use of search facility on this site, you can compare and instruct different solicitors and conveyancers both nationally and in Elmstead.

Are Elmstead conveyancing solicitors duty bound by the Law Society to supply transparent conveyancing costs?

Contained within the Solicitors Code of Conduct are specific rules and regulations as to how the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) allow solicitors to publicise their fees to clients.The Law Society have a practice note giving advice on how to publicise transparent charges to avoid breaching any such rule. Practice notes are not legal advice issued by the Law Society and is not to be interpreted as the only standard of good practice a conveyancing solicitor should adhere to. The Practice Note does, nevertheless, constitute the Law Society’s view of acceptable practice for publicising conveyancing charges, and accordingly it’s a recommended read for any solicitor or conveyancer in Elmstead or or elsewhere in the country.