I purchased a freehold premises in Strawberry Hill yet invoiced for rent, why is this and what is this?
It is rare for properties in Strawberry Hill and has limited impact for conveyancing in Strawberry Hill 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 from 1977 onwards.
Previous rentcharges can now be extinguished by making a lump sum payment under the Act. Any rentcharges that are still in existence post 2037 is to be extinguished.
We are buying a flat in Strawberry Hill. It might be a silly question but how we can trust a lawyer? At some point we will need to deposit our life savings into their account. What is the protection we have from them run away with our deposit?
Be assured that all money in a Solicitors client account is 100% safe, and even if your Solicitor ran off with it, the Law Society would reimburse you fully.
I've digested plenty of house buying guides, I note that it is considered advisable to get your house surveyed prior to buying it. When I asked my local Strawberry Hill solicitor - who is on the Co-operative conveyancing panel - on this she said they don't do this and I need to contract an independent surveyor. is that correct?
Co-operative will need an independent valuation of the property. Your lawyer will not arrange this. Usually Co-operative will appoint their own surveyor to do this, and you will have to pay for it. Remember that this is a valuation for mortgage purposes and not a survey. Your property lawyer will not organise the survey but they may be able to put you in touch with a local one that they recommend. RICS offers a find a surveyor service (just google it) where you can search for a qualified surveyor by your Strawberry Hill postcode. As you are getting a mortgage with Co-operative, you could contact them to see if they have a list of approved surveyors in Strawberry Hill.
Coventry BS have agreed my home loan in principle, my bid on a apartment in Strawberry Hill has been accepted, what are the next steps?
The estate agent will wish to know who your solicitors are (ensure that the conveyancing practitioners are on the lender’s panel). Telephone Coventry BS or your broker and finish off any outstanding forms. Coventry BS will sellect a valuer who will get in contact with the estate agent or seller to arrange an appointment. Once conducted (assuming no problems) it takes about a fortnight to get a mortgage offer. Coventry BS will send the offer to you and your conveyancers. The legal work will then take it’s course according the nature and complexity of the conveyancing in Strawberry Hill.
Should my solicitor be raising enquiries concerning flooding during the conveyancing in Strawberry Hill.
The risk of flooding is if increasing concern for lawyers dealing with homes in Strawberry Hill. There are those who purchase a property in Strawberry Hill, fully aware that at some time, it may be flooded. However, aside from the physical damage, where a house is at risk of flooding, it may be difficult to get a mortgage, adequate building insurance, or sell the premises. Steps can be carried out during the course of a house purchase to forewarn the purchaser.
Conveyancers are not best placed to offer advice on flood risk, but there are a various checks that can be initiated by the buyer or on a buyer’s behalf which should give them a better understanding of the risks in Strawberry Hill. The standard information given to a buyer’s lawyer (where the Conveyancing Protocol is adopted) includes a usual question of the vendor to find out if the property has historically flooded. If flooding has previously occurred and is not disclosed by the owner, then a buyer may commence a legal claim for losses resulting from an incorrect answer. The buyer’s conveyancers will also conduct an environmental search. This will higlight whether there is any known flood risk. If so, additional inquiries should be made.
How does conveyancing in Strawberry Hill differ for newly converted properties?
Most buyers of new build or newly converted property in Strawberry Hill come to us having been asked by the seller to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the premises is completed. This is because builders in Strawberry Hill usually acquire the land, 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 Strawberry Hill or who has acted in the same development.
I'm remortgaging my primary house to a BTL mortgage with Skipton Building Society and I will use the ballance of the raised equity as a down payment on another property. The location we are talking about is Strawberry Hill. Will your conveyancers be able to act for the two lenders and tie in the conveyances?
Make use of our search tool on this page to be sure that the conveyancers are approved by both banks. Having checked that they are your conveyancer should be able to connect the two transactions but you should talk with you solicitor and make apparent your expectations and needs.
For various reasons I cannot visit my Strawberry Hill conveyancing practitioners office to sign documents connected to my conveyancing in Strawberry Hill – will this be problematic?
No. Strawberry Hill conveyancing solicitors can undertake conveyancing transactions for clients across the country. You are unlikely to be required to attend a Strawberry Hill conveyancers office. They can handle everything via phone, post and email - whatever works for you.