My mortgage broker requires my Ratcliff law firm’s panel reference for the Santander conveyancing panel. What is the best way to find this out. I have e-mailed my local Ratcliff branch but they don't know it.
You are best placed to get this information from your Ratcliff property lawyer . They maintain a central record lender panel numbers.
I purchased a freehold residence in Ratcliff yet pay rent, why is this and what is this?
It is rare for properties in Ratcliff and has limited impact for conveyancing in Ratcliff 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 establishment of fresh rentcharges post 1977.
Previous rentcharges can now be extinguished by making a lump sum payment under the Act. Any rentcharges that are still in existence post 2037 will be extinguished.
I am told that my conveyancing solicitors will need to check that the building insurance for my purchase of a house in Ratcliff. My lender is The Mortgage Works
The Mortgage Works have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook. As of 7/3/2026, the requirements read as follows :
How does conveyancing in Ratcliff differ for new build properties?
Most buyers of new build property in Ratcliff approach us having been asked by the housebuilder to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the house is finished. This is because new home sellers in Ratcliff 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 conveyancers 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 Ratcliff or who has acted in the same development.
Due to the advice of my in-laws I had a survey completed on a property in Ratcliff prior to instructing solicitors. I have been informed that there is a flying freehold element to the property. My surveyor advised that some mortgage companies will not grant a mortgage on such a home.
It varies from the lender to lender. Santander has different requirements from Birmingham Midshires. If you e-mail us we can look into this further with the relevant bank. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can assist as they are accustomed to dealing with flying freeholds in Ratcliff. Conveyancing will be smoother if you use a solicitor in Ratcliff especially if they regularly deal with such properties in Ratcliff.
Can you provide any top tips for leasehold conveyancing in Ratcliff from the perspective of expediting the sale process?
- A significant proportion of the delay in leasehold conveyancing in Ratcliff can be bypassed if you instruct lawyers as soon as you market your property and ask them to collate the leasehold information which will be required by the purchasers’ conveyancers. Many freeholders or managing agents in Ratcliff levy fees for supplying management packs for a leasehold property. You or your lawyers should find out the fee that they propose to charge. The management pack sought as soon as you have a buyer, thus accelerating the process. The average time it takes to receive management information is three weeks. It is the most usual cause of frustration in leasehold conveyancing in Ratcliff. If there is a history of any disputes with your landlord or managing agents it is very important that these are resolved before the property is marketed. The purchasers and their solicitors will be reluctant to purchase a flat where there is an ongoing dispute. You may have to bite the bullet and pay any arrears of service charge or resolve the dispute prior to completion of the sale. It is therefore preferable to have any dispute settled prior to the contract papers being issued to the buyers’ solicitors. You are still duty bound to disclose particulars of the dispute to the buyers, but it is clearly preferable to reveal the dispute as over rather than ongoing. If you are supposed to have a share in the freehold, you should ensure that you hold the original share document. Obtaining a duplicate share certificate can be a lengthy formality and delays many a Ratcliff conveyancing transaction. If a reissued share certificate is needed, you should approach the company officers or managing agents (where relevant) for this sooner rather than later. If you have carried out any alterations to the residence would they have required Landlord’s approval? Have you, for example installed wooden flooring? Ratcliff leases often stipulate that internal structural alterations or installing wooden flooring calls for a licence from the Landlord consenting to such works. If you dont have the paperwork to hand do not communicate with the landlord without contacting your solicitor before hand.
I am the leaseholder of a garden flat in Ratcliff. In the absence of agreement between myself and the freeholder, can the Leasehold valuation Tribunal determine the amount payable for the purchase of the freehold?
Where there is a absentee freeholder or where there is disagreement about what the lease extension should cost, under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 you can apply to the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal to determine the price.
An example of a Freehold Enfranchisement matter before the tribunal for a Ratcliff flat is 12, 14 & 16 Hull Close in May 2010. the Tribunal determined that the premium payable for the acquisition of the freehold to the subject premises was the sum of £18,300 This case related to 3 flats. The unexpired term as at the valuation date was 101.61 years.