I purchased a freehold property in Roker but still invoiced for rent, why is this and what is this?

It is rare for properties in Roker and has limited impact for conveyancing in Roker 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 creation of fresh rentcharges from 1977 onwards.

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

I am thinking of refinancing my home in Roker, does my lawyer have to be on the Leeds Building Society Conveyancing panel?

There is nothing to stop you using your solicitor, but Leeds Building Society will insist on their interests being represented by a firm on their conveyancing panel. There is greater potential for delays and confusion with an additional lawyer added to the mix, and it will undoubtedly be more expensive too.

This question may be naive but I am wet behind the ears as a first time purchaser of a two bedroom flat in Roker. Do I pick up the keys to the property on completion from my solicitor? If so, I will find a High Street conveyancing solicitor in Roker?

On the day of completion you do not need to attend the conveyancers office in Roker. Your solicitors will arrange to send the purchase money to the seller's solicitors, and shortly after the monies have arrived, you will be able to pick up the keys from the property Agents and start moving into the property. Usually this occurs between 1 and 3pm.

Last month we had a mortgage agreed in principle with Clydesdale. Roker conveyancing lawyers were selected. How long does it take for Clydesdale to send the offer to the lawyer?

Some lenders take longer than others. Have Clydesdale completed the valuation? Have you advised Clydesdale as to your lawyers' details and checked that your lawyers are on the Clydesdale conveyancing panel? It is not unusual for a mortgage offer to take a month to come through.

Intending to buy a house in Roker. I have received an online quote from a licenced conveyancer, which states: "There will be no charge for dealing with the Lender if you are obtaining a mortgage". I take this to mean that there will be no additional fee if the solicitor is on the UBS conveyancing panel. I wanted to make sure it means there will be no additional fees for dealing with the mortgage.

They are simply saying that the cost for acting for the lender is included in the fee being quoted. It is worth you checking that the Roker lawyer is on the UBS conveyancing panel.

I am 18 days into a leasehold purchase having been referred to solicitors by the estate agent to carry out the conveyancing in Roker. I am not happy. Can you help me find new lawyers?

They would need to be very poor to suggest replacing them. Has the mortgage offer been generated? If so you must inform them of the replacement conveyancer and get the mortgage documents are re-sent. The solicitor ideally needs to be on the banks panel to avoid escalating costs and delays. That should be your starting point. The find a solicitor tool can help you find a bank approved solicitor for your home move in Roker

My wife is purchasing a leasehold property in Roker. Conveyancing estimates are coming in at around £1800. Is that in the right ballpark?

The average fee in 2014 for conveyancing in Roker was just over one thousand four hundred and fifty pounds excluding Stamp Duty and Land Registry fees.