I own a freehold premises in Exmouth but nevertheless pay rent, why is this and what is this?
It is rare for properties in Exmouth and has limited impact for conveyancing in Exmouth 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 post 1977.
Old rentcharges can now be redeemed by making a lump sum payment under the Act. Any rentcharges that are still in existence after 2037 will be extinguished.
I am about to put an offer on a leasehold apartment in Exmouth. The selling agents say that it is standard for flats in Exmouth to have less than 75 years left on the lease. I am expecting a mortgage with The Mortgage Works. Will the property be mortgageable given that the lease has 72 years remaining.
Most leasehold conveyancing experts should be able to deal with a lease extension. if you are getting a mortgage then your lender may insist that the lease be extended before competition. The Mortgage Works have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook in relation to minimum unexpired lease terms. As of 30/6/2026 the requirements read as follows :
My wife and I buying a 3 bedroom semi in Exmouth. We would like to carry out a loft conversion at the house.Will the conveyancing process involve investigations to determine if these alterations are allowed?
Your solicitor will review the deeds as conveyancing in Exmouth can sometimes reveal restrictions in the title documents which prevent certain changes or necessitated the permission of a 3rd party. Some works require local authority planning consent and approval under the building regulations. Certain areas are designated conservation areas and special planning restrictions apply which often prevent or impact extensions. It would be prudent to check these issues with a surveyor ahead of any purchase.
I happen to be the only recipient of my late mum's estate with all property in now in my sole name, including the house in Exmouth. Conveyancing formalities meant that the Land Registry date was in May. I now wish to sell up. I do know about the CML six month 'rule', meaning my property ownership could be regarded the same way as though I had purchased the house in May. Do I have to wait 6 months to sell?
The CML handbook obliges conveyancers to: "report to us immediately if the owner or registered proprietor has been registered for less than six months." By the strict wording you could be affected by that. How practical a view mortgage companies take of it, depend on the mortgage company as this provision is primarily there to capture the purchase and immediately sell or the quick reselling of property.
It is not clear whether my lender obliges me to make sure the lease term for the flat is extended prior to the completion date. I have called into my local Exmouth building society branch on various occasions and was advised it wasn't an issue and they will lend. My Exmouth conveyancing solicitor - who is on the mortgage company conveyancing panel- telephoned and was told they refuse to lend based on their specific requirements. I simply don't know who is right.
As long as the conveyancing practitioner is on the lender panel, they must comply with the CML Handbook provisions for the bank. Unless your lawyer obtains specific confirmation in writing that the bank will go ahead, your lawyer has no choice but to refrain from exchanging contract and committing you to the purchase. We would suggest that you ask the lender to contact your lawyer in writing confirming that they will accept the number of years left on the lease.
How does conveyancing in Exmouth differ for newly converted properties?
Most buyers of new build residence in Exmouth contact us having been asked by the housebuilder to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the property is finished. This is because new home sellers in Exmouth usually buy the site, 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 conveyancing solicitors 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 Exmouth or who has acted in the same development.
What does commercial conveyancing in Exmouth cover?
Non domestic conveyancing in Exmouth covers a broad range of advice, provided by regulated solicitors, relating to business premises. For instance, this area of conveyancing can cover the sale or purchase of freehold business premises or, more usually, the transfer of existing leases or the drafting of new leasing arrangements. Commercial conveyancing solicitors can also offer advice on the sale of business assets, commercial mortgages and the termination of tenancies.
What can I do to find out who owns a property in Exmouth?
Provided the premises is recorded at the Land Registry, and you have enough information of the location of the property, you will be able to view details from the the Land Registry of the registered proprietor for a fee.