I purchased a freehold house in Lewisham but nevertheless pay rent, why is this and what is this?
It’s unusual for properties in Lewisham and has limited impact for conveyancing in Lewisham 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 creation of new rentcharges from 1977 onwards.
Previous rentcharges can now be redeemed by making a one off payment under the Act. Any rentcharges that are still in existence after 2037 is to be extinguished.
How does conveyancing in Lewisham differ for newly converted properties?
Most buyers of new build or newly converted property in Lewisham contact us having been asked by the builder to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the house is completed. This is because new home sellers in Lewisham 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 Lewisham or who has acted in the same development.
How does the Landlord & Tenant Act 1954 affect my business premises in Lewisham and how can you help?
The particular law that you refer to provides security of tenure to business tenants, giving them the right to make a request to court for a renewal tenancy and continue in occupation at the end of an expired lease. There are limited grounds where a landlord can refuse a lease renewal and the rules are complicated. We are happy to direct you to commercial conveyancing firms who use the act for protection and handle your commercial conveyancing in Lewisham
My father has urged me to instruct his conveyancing solicitors in Lewisham. Do I follow his recommendation?
No doubt it’s preferable to select a conveyancing practitioner is to seek guidance from friends or family who have actually used the firm that you are contemplating using.
I am on look out for some leasehold conveyancing in Lewisham. Before I set the wheels in motion I want to be sure as to the remaining lease term.
Assuming the lease is recorded at the land registry - and almost all are in Lewisham - then the leasehold title will always include the short particulars of the lease, namely the date; the term; and the original parties. From a conveyancing perspective such details then enable any prospective buyer and lender to confirm that any lease they are looking at is the one relevant to that title. For any other purpose, such as confirming how long the term was granted for and calculating what is left, then the register should be sufficient on it's own.
I have attempted and failed to negotiate with my landlord to extend my lease without success. Can one apply to the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal? Can you recommend a Lewisham conveyancing firm to help?
Most certainly. We can put you in touch with a Lewisham conveyancing firm who can help.
An example of a Lease Extension matter before the tribunal for a Lewisham flat is 73 Walerand Road in August 2012. the result of the findings of the Tribunal led to a premium to be paid for the extended lease in respect of Flat 73 in the sum of £10,040. The premium applicable in respect of Flat 85 was £5,710. This case affected 2 flats. The unexpired term as at the valuation date was 72 years.
I am buying a garden apartment in Lewisham. Conveyancing solicitor is waiting for, from the owner, building insurance schedule. Earlier today I was advised that the owner must send the insurance documents for the flat above also. Why would my property lawyer need to review the insurance for the flat above? Is it really required? We have been waiting for the previous month…
It is not impossible in leasehold conveyancing in Lewisham to find Conveyancing in Lewisham in a minority of cases reveals that the lease obliges the leasehold owners to insure their individual flats as opposed to the landlord insuring the whole property - which is clearly preferable. Do check with your solicitor but it would appear that your lawyer is attempting to establish that the whole building is insured. Insuring your apartment is no help when it comes to rebuilding after a fire if the other flat cannot be rebuilt due to lack of insurance cover.