I purchased a freehold house in Hampshire but still pay rent, why is this and what is this?
It’s unusual for properties in Hampshire and has limited impact for conveyancing in Hampshire 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.
Old rentcharges can now be extinguished by making a one off payment under the Act. Any rentcharges that are still in existence in 2037 is to be extinguished.
My husband and I decided to purchase a purpose built apartment in Hampshire with a homeloan from Halifax.We have a Hampshire conveyancing practitioner but Halifax advised that he's not listed on their "panel". we are left little option but to use a Halifax panel solicitor or keep our local solicitor and fork out for one of their panel ones to act for them. This seems very unfair; is there anything we can do?
Unfortunately,no. The mortgage offered to you is subject to its various provisions, one of which will be that conveyancers will be on the Halifax solicitor panel. Until recently, most banks had large numbers of solicitors on their panels: a borrower could choose one for themselves, as long as it was on the lender's panel. The lender would then simply instruct the borrower's lawyers to act for the lender, too. You can use your lender's panel lawyers or you could borrow from another lender which does not restrict your choice. A further alternative is for your lawyer to apply to be on the conveyancing panel for Halifax
We are buying a victorian detached house in Hampshire. Our aim is to carry out a loft conversion at the property.Will the conveyancing process include checks to ascertain if these alterations are allowed?
Your solicitor should review the registered title as conveyancing in Hampshire can occasionally identify restrictions in the title deeds which prohibit categories of alterations or necessitated the permission of a 3rd party. Some extensions require local authority planning consent and approval in accordance building regulations. Certain areas are designated conservation areas and special planning restrictions apply which frequently prevent or affect extensions. It would be sensible to check these issues with a surveyor ahead of any purchase.
Are all Hampshire Conveyancing Quality Solicitors on the Barclays conveyancing list of approved solicitors?
A selection of banks and building societies now utilise the accreditation scheme as the kick off point for Panel membership such as HSBC and Santander. CQS accreditation however gives no guarantee to lender panel acceptance. Nevertheless,the CML have indicated that it is likely to become a pre-requisite for solicitors wishing to remain on their panels.
Completion of my remortgage has taken place for my property in Hampshire. Conveyancing was satisfactory but I feel I should register my dissatisfaction about the lender. Who do I contact should I wish to lodge a complaint?
All lenders have complaints procedures. Your first port of call should be one of the lender’s branches or the Customer Care Department at head office. Ordinarily complaints to a lender are sorted out very quickly. If you feel the matter is not resolved you can write to Financial Ombudsman Service who will take matters further.
I am selling our house in Hampshire and according to the buyers it appears that there is a possibility that the property was built land that was not decontaminated. A high street Hampshire conveyancer would know that there is no such problem. It does beg the question why the buyers instructed an internet conveyancing outfit rather than a conveyancing solicitor in Hampshire. We have lived in Hampshire for 4 years we know of no issue. Is it a good idea to contact our local Authority to obtain clarification that the buyers are looking for.
It sounds as though you may have a conveyancing lawyer currently acting for you. Are they able to advise? You must check with your lawyer before you do anything. It is very possible that once the local authority has been informed of a potential issue it cannot be insured against (a bit like being diagnosed with a serious illness and then taking out health insurance to cover that same ailment)
As co-executor for the estate of my father I am selling a residence in Newport but reside in Hampshire. My lawyer (based 260 kilometers awayrequires that I sign a statutory declaration before completion. Could you suggest a conveyancing practitioner in Hampshire to attest and place their company stamp on the document?
strictly speaking you are not likely to be required to have the documents witnessed by a conveyancing solicitor. Ordinarily any notary public or solicitor will do regardless of whether they are based in Hampshire
What could I expect to pay for conveyancing in Hampshire?
Almost all Hampshire conveyancing firms will charge a fixed fee. If extra work arise during the transaction your conveyancer is duty bound to inform you in writing of any extra costs for any work immediately it becomes foreseeable. Some work on a no move no charge principle, others will charge a percentage of the set fee, depending on the stage at which the conveyancing falls through.
It is advisable to obtain two or three firms to give you an estimate.