I am the registered owner of a freehold residence in Wigan but still invoiced for rent, why is this and what is this?
It’s unusual for properties in Wigan and has limited impact for conveyancing in Wigan 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 extinguished by making a lump sum payment under the Act. Any rentcharges that are still in existence in 2037 is to be extinguished.
I am told that my conveyancing solicitors will need to check that the building insurance when buying a house in Wigan. My lender is Virgin
Virgin have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook. As of 13/11/2026, the requirements read as follows :
I am helping my niece sell her house in Wigan. Will the solicitor order an energy performance certificate or it is for me to coordinate?
After the abolition of Home Packs, EPC’s was left as a mandatory component of selling a property. An energy assessment needs to be to hand before the property is placed on the market. It is not something that law firms normally arrange. Where you are using a Wigan conveyancing lawyer they might be willing to arrange energy assessments due to their relationships with reputable local accredited person
Can I be sure that the Wigan conveyancing solicitor on the Clydesdale panel is any good?
When it comes to conveyancing in Wigan getting recommendations is a sensible start. Before you go ahead, check if they offer a no sale no fee offer. Also, you often get what you pay for - a firm which quotes more, will often provide a better service than one advertising the lowest fees. We would always advocate that you speak with the lawyer handling your transaction.
It is not clear whether my bank obliges me to make sure the lease term for the flat is extended prior to the completion date. I have called my Wigan building society branch on a couple of occasions and was told they are content with the situation and they will lend. My Wigan conveyancing solicitor - who is on the mortgage company conveyancing panel- telephoned and was told they would not lend in accordance with their specific requirements. Who do I believe?
Your property lawyer has to follow the Council of Mortgage Lenders’ Handbook section two specifications for your lender. Unless your lawyer obtains specific confirmation in writing that the mortgage company will go ahead, your lawyer has no choice but to refrain from exchanging contract and committing you to the purchase. We would suggest that you ask the bank to contact your lawyer in writing confirming that they will accept the number of years left on the lease.
What can a local search tell me about the house we're purchasing in Wigan?
Wigan conveyancing often commences with the applying for local authority searches directly from your local Authority or through a personal search organisations such as Onsearch The local search is essential in every Wigan conveyancing purchase; that is if you don’t want any unpleasant surprises after you move into your new home. The search will supply information on, amongst other things, details on planning applications applicable to the property (whether granted or refused), building control history, any enforcement action, restrictions on permitted development, nearby road schemes, contaminated land and radon gas; in all a total of thirteen subject sections.
Are there restrictive covenants that are commonly identified as part of conveyancing in Wigan?
Covenants that are restrictive in nature can be picked up when reviewing land registry title as part of the legal transfer of property in Wigan. An 1874 stipulation that was seen was ‘The houses to be erected on the estate are each to be of a uniform elevation in accordance with the drawings to be prepared or approved by the vendor’s surveyor…’
I need to instruct a conveyancing solicitor for sale conveyancing in Wigan. I've stumble upon a site which seems to have the perfect answer If there is a chance to get all the legals done via web that would be preferable. Do I need to be wary? What are the potential pitfalls?
As usual with these online conveyancers you need to read ALL the small print - did you notice the extra charge for dealing with the mortgage?