I purchased a freehold premises in Moseley yet charged rent, why is this and what is this?

It is rare for properties in Moseley and has limited impact for conveyancing in Moseley 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 many centuries, but the Rent Charge Act 1977 barred the establishment of new rentcharges from 1977 onwards.

Previous rentcharges can now be redeemed by making a one off payment under the Act. Any rentcharges that are still in existence post 2037 is to be dispensed with completely.

I have been recommended a conveyancing solicitor in Moseley. I I would like to check if they are accepted on the Britannia conveyancing panel. Could you or the lender confirm if they are on the panel?

The first thing to do is call the conveyancer and ask them whether they are on the lender panel. Otherwise you can call Britannia who may be able to help.

What can a local search inform me regarding the property we're purchasing in Moseley?

Moseley conveyancing often starts with the ordering local authority searches directly from your local Authority or through a personal search company for instance PSG The local search is essential in every Moseley conveyancing purchase; as long as you wish to avoid any nasty surprises after you move into your new home. The search will reveal information on, amongst other things, details on planning applications relevant to the premises (whether granted or refused), building control history, any enforcement action, restrictions on permitted development, nearby road schemes, contaminated land and radon gas; in all a total of thirteen subject headings.

I am buying a new build house in Moseley benefiting from help to buy. The developers would not budge the amount so I negotiated £7000 of extras instead. The house builders rep advised me not reveal to my conveyancer about this deal as it will impact my loan with Barnsley Building Society. Do I keep my lawyer in the dark?.

All lenders require a Disclosure of Incentives Form from the builder of any new build, converted or renovated property, It is available online from the Lenders’ Handbook page on the CML website. CML form is completed and handed to the lender's surveyor when the inspection is done.

Lenders have different policies on incentives. Some accept none at all, cash or physical, while others will accept cash incentives up to 5%.

Hard to understand why the representative of a builder would be suggesting you withold information from a solicitor when all this will be clearly visible on forms the builder has to supply to its solicitor, the buyer's solicitor and the surveyor.

Am I better off to choose a Moseley conveyancing solicitor based in the area that I am buying? We have a good friend who can conduct the legal formalities however his firm is located over three hundred kilometers drive away.

The primary upside of using a high street Moseley conveyancing firm is that you can attend the office to sign paperwork, present your ID and pester them where appropriate. Having local Moseley know how is a plus. However it's more important to get someone that will pull out all the stops for you. If if people you trust used your friend and on the whole were happy that should outweigh using an unknown Moseley conveyancing lawyer just because they are based in the area.