IfI was to purchase a straightforward housein Leek mortgage fee and dispense with a survey and no conveyancing searches how much should I expect to have to pay for conveyancing in Leek?
The sole reduction in fees you would make on is the Leek conveyancing searches. A property lawyer is required to do the vast majority of work - money laundering, communicating with the vendors solicitor, SDLT submission, register the ownership etc. You might save a bit for them not needing to register a charge however it won't be meaningful.
I am the registered owner of a freehold property in Leek but nevertheless charged rent, why is this and what is this?
It is rare for properties in Leek and has limited impact for conveyancing in Leek 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 hundreds of years, but the Rent Charge Act 1977 barred the generation of new 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 after 2037 will be dispensed with completely.
I have been recommended a conveyancing solicitor in Leek. I I would like to check whether they are on the Nationwide Building Society conveyancing panel. Can you advise?
You should phone the lawyer and enquire if they are on the lender panel. Otherwise please call Nationwide Building Society who may be able to assist.
I am planning on selling our home in Leek and the buyers lawyers are claiming that there is a possibility that the property was constructed on contaminated land. Any local lawyer would know this is not the case. For the life of me I don't know why the buyers used a web based conveyancing practice rather than a conveyancing solicitor in Leek. Having lived in Leek for three years we know of no issue. Should we get in touch with our local Authority to get clarification that there is no issue.
It sounds as though you may have a conveyancing solicitor currently acting for you. Are they able to advise? You need to 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 sickness)
The deeds to my house can not be found. The lawyers who conducted the conveyancing in Leek 4 years ago no longer exist. Will I be able to sell the house?
Assuming the title is registered the details of your ownership will be documented by HMLR with a Title Number. It is possible to execute a search at the Land Registry, find your house and get current copies of the Registered Entries for a small fee. Where the property is Leasehold then the Land Registry will usually retain a certified copy of the Registered Lease and again, a copy can be ordered for £20 inclusive of VAT.
Over the last few months I have been searching for a leasehold apartment up to £305k and identified one close by in Leek I like with open areas and station in the vicinity, the downside is that it's only got 49 years on the lease. There is not much else in Leek for this price, so just wondered if I would be making a grave error buying a lease with such few years left?
If you require a mortgage the shortness of the lease will likely be problematic. Discount the offer by the anticipated lease extension will cost if not already taken into account. If the current proprietor has owned the property for at least twenty four months you can ask them to commence the lease extension formalities and pass it to you. An additional ninety years can be extended on to the current lease term and have £0 ground rent by law. You should consult your conveyancing lawyer about this matter.