I am the registered owner of a freehold premises in Streatham Vale but nevertheless charged rent, why is this and what is this?

It is rare for properties in Streatham Vale and has limited impact for conveyancing in Streatham Vale 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 fresh rentcharges post 1977.

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

I had intended to instruct a conveyancing solicitor in Streatham Vale for our home move. Our financial adviser informed us that our bank Halifax won't deal with them. Why is this not regarded as unduly restrictive?

A decade ago most mortgage companies had a different appetite for risk. Almost all Streatham Vale conveyancing firms would have been on many lender panels. The Financial Services Authority in 2010 carried out a thematic review into mortgage fraud which concluded: mortgage lenders should know the conveyancing solicitors dealt with. Consequently, mortgage companies are increasingly seeing more information from law firms concerning their operations and the individuals who work for them as well as establishing certain criteria such a completing on a minimum amount of conveyancing. Many Streatham Vale conveyancing firms that have been excluded from lender panels have a 100% healthy track record, no complaints and no claims and didn't just 'dabble' in conveyancing. Streatham Vale is one of the hundreds of locations where the lawyers we list are members of the panel for Halifax.

I used Arc property Solicitors a few years past for my conveyancing in Streatham Vale. Now, I need my documents however cannot find the solicitor. What do I do?

Do contact the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) to assist in tracing your conveyancing files. They can be contacted on please contact on 0870 606 2555. Alternatively, you should use their online form to make an enquiry. You will need to provide the SRA with as much information as possible to assist their search, including the name and address in Streatham Vale of the conveyancing firm of solicitors you previously instructed, the name of conveyancing solicitor with whom you had dealings, and the date on which you last had dealings with the firm.

I decided to have a survey done on a house in Streatham Vale prior to retaining solicitors. I have been advised that there is a flying freehold aspect to the property. Our surveyor advised that some banks may refuse to issue a loan on such a house.

It varies from the lender to lender. Santander has different requirements from Birmingham Midshires. Should you wish to telephone us we can check with the relevant lender. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can help as they are accustomed to dealing with flying freeholds in Streatham Vale. Conveyancing may be slightly more expensive based on your lender's requirements.

How can the Landlord & Tenant Act 1954 impact my commercial offices in Streatham Vale and how can you help?

The 1954 Act provides a safeguard to commercial tenants, giving them the right to make a request to court for a new lease and remain in occupation at the end of the lease term. There are limited grounds where a landlord can refuse a lease renewal and the rules are complicated. We are happy to direct you to commercial conveyancing solicitors who use the act to your advantage and handle your commercial conveyancing in Streatham Vale