My partner and I are nearing an exchange on a property in Johnstown and my parents have sent the ten percent deposit to my solicitor. I am now informed that as the deposit has been received from someone other than me my property lawyer needs to make a notification to my bank. I am advised that, in also acting for the bank he must inform them that the balance of the purchase price is coming from anyone other than me. I informed the bank concerning my parents' contribution when I applied for the mortgage, so is it really necessary for him to raise this?
The property lawyer is duty bound to clarify with mortgage company to make sure that they know that the balance of the purchase price is not from your own resources. Your solicitor can only notify this to your lender if you permit them to, failing which, your lawyer must cease to continue acting.
I own a freehold residence in Johnstown yet invoiced for rent, why is this and what is this?
It’s unusual for properties in Johnstown and has limited impact for conveyancing in Johnstown 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 hundreds of years, but the Rent Charge Act 1977 barred the generation of new 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 post 2037 will be dispensed with completely.
I am about to put an offer on a leasehold apartment in Johnstown. The estate agents assure me that it is standard for flats in Johnstown to have less than 75 years unexpired on the lease. I am obtaining a mortgage with Accord Mortgages. Is this going to be a problem if the lease has 70 years remaining.
Most leasehold conveyancing experts should be able to deal with a lease extension. if you are securing a mortgage then your lender may insist that the lease be extended before competition. Accord Mortgages have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook in relation to minimum unexpired lease terms. As of 19/12/2025 the requirements read as follows :
I have todayfound out that Arc property Solicitors have closed. They carried out my conveyancing in Johnstown for a purchase of a freehold house 9 months ago. How can I check that my home is in my name in the name of the former proprietor?
The quickest method to check if the premises is in your name, you can carry out a search of the land registry (£3.00). You can either do this yourself or ask a law firm to do this for you. If you are not registered you can seek help from one of a number of Johnstown conveyancing specialists.
How does conveyancing in Johnstown differ for newly converted properties?
Most buyers of new build or newly converted property in Johnstown approach us having been asked by the developer to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the premises is finished. This is because builders in Johnstown tend to 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 property lawyers 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 used to new build conveyancing in Johnstown or who has acted in the same development.
I pay a service charge for my flat in Johnstown. Due to losing my job and other issues I fell behind with remittance. The management company agreed a payment schedule but there is still three thousand pounds due to be paid.
I am under pressure to dispose of the property and I am worried this can threaten to derail the sale if I have to settle the arrears in advance. I'd like to sell up and subsequently pay them back with the completion monies - is this viable?
Do check with the conveyancing practitioner handling your Johnstown conveyancing but one option might be to arrange for the arrears to be attributed to the purchasers. The final price payable would be reduced to reflect the amount of debt they take on. They could then deal with the fees following completion of the purchase.