I purchased a freehold premises in Burslem but nevertheless charged rent, why is this and what is this?
It is rare for properties in Burslem and has limited impact for conveyancing in Burslem 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 many centuries, but the Rent Charge Act 1977 barred the creation of fresh rentcharges from 1977 onwards.
Previous 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 dispensed with completely.
Do I have to attend the offices of the solicitor to sign the mortgage deed? If so, I will instruct a firm who offer conveyancing in Burslem so that I can attend their offices if required.
Whereas this was necessary 15 years ago, almost all lenders no longer need their conveyancing panel solicitor to witness the borrowers signature. It will still be necessary for you to hand over ID documents and there are still manifest benefits to choosing a locally based solicitor, in your situation a conveyancing solicitor in Burslem.
Is it the case that all Burslem CQS (Conveyancing Quality Scheme) solicitors are on the UBS conveyancing list of approved solicitors?
Some major lenders now use the accreditation scheme as the kick off point for Panel approval such as HSBC and Santander. The Law Society’s CQS accreditation however is no guarantee to lender panel acceptance. That being said,the Council of Mortgage Lenders have indicated that it is likely to become a pre-requisite for solicitors wishing to remain on their panels.
My husband and I are spending time looking at flats in Burslem and I am now considering a potential offer. Should I already have a conveyancer in place at this stage? I am planning to take a home loan with HSBC.
You should start requesting conveyancing estimates from solicitors ASAP. Once you decide who you want to use and once your offer is accepted you can instruct them to work for you and forward their details on to the selling agent. Given that you are getting a mortgage with HSBC, make sure you remember to check that your lawyer is on the HSBC conveyancing panel.
I have decided to exercise my right to buy my property in Burslem off the council. I have a mortgage agreed with Skipton. Conveyancing is not something I have any knowledge of. Can I proceed without a solicitor easily? I think we can but we keep being told I should use one. Any advice?
It is not advisable to proceed with a house purchase without a solicitor. The council's solicitor are not acting for you. You need a solicitor for a number reasons. One of which is to verify what plans the Council have for repairs and refurbishment for the next five years. Many leaseholders have been stung for contributions of thousands of pounds. In any event, if you are getting a mortgage with Skipton, you will need to appoint a solicitor on the Skipton conveyancing panel.
How does conveyancing in Burslem differ for new build properties?
Most buyers of new build or newly converted property in Burslem come to us having been asked by the developer to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the premises is completed. This is because new home sellers in Burslem usually acquire the real estate, 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 Burslem or who has acted in the same development.
I am looking into buying my first house which is in Burslem and I am already nervous. I couldn't find anything specific about Burslem. Conveyancing will be needed in due course but do you know about the Burslem area? or perhaps some other tips you can share?
Rather than looking online forget looking online you should go and have a look at Burslem. In the meantime here are some basic statistics that we found
We're first time buyers - had an offer accepted, but the estate agent informed us that the vendor will only go ahead if we use the agent's preferred conveyancers as they need an ‘expedited deal’. We would rather use a family conveyancer used to conveyancing in Burslem
It is highly unlikely the vendors are behind this. Should the owner want ‘a quick sale', turning down a serious purchaser is counter productive. Avoid the agents and go straight to the owners and explain that (a)you are genuine buyers (b)you are excited to move forward, with mortgage lined up © you are chain free (d) you wish to move quickly (e)however you are going to appoint your own,trusted Burslem conveyancing solicitors - not the ones that will earn the estate agent a introducer fee or hit his conveyancing figures demanded by HQ.