I purchased a freehold house in Orpington but still pay rent, why is this and what is this?

It’s unusual for properties in Orpington and has limited impact for conveyancing in Orpington 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 creation of new rentcharges post 1977.

Old rentcharges can now be extinguished by making a one off payment under the Act. Any rentcharges that are still in existence in 2037 will be extinguished.

I need some fast conveyancing in Orpington as I am under pressure to sign on the dotted line inside one month. A home loan is not required. Is it possible to escape the need for conveyancing searches to save money and time?

As you are not obtaining a home loan you are at free not to do searches although no solicitor would advise that you don't. With plenty of history conveyancing in Orpington the following are examples of what can crop up and adversely affect future saleability: Refused Planning Applications, Overdue Fees, Overdue Grants, Unadopted Roads,...

How does conveyancing in Orpington differ for new build properties?

Most buyers of new build premises in Orpington approach us having been asked by the developer to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the house is constructed. This is because new home sellers in Orpington 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 accustomed to new build conveyancing in Orpington or who has acted in the same development.

What makes your site different to alternative online quote calculators for conveyancing in Orpington?

At this site obtain an accurate quote from a Solicitor or Licensed Conveyancer that appreciates the issues of your conveyancing in Orpington. Unlike many estate agents and many comparison sites we do not operate commission deals with solicitors. Some agents and online brokers 'recommend' the firm who pay the highest commission, not the best value conveyancing in Orpington

What advice can you give us when it comes to finding a Orpington conveyancing practice to deal with our lease extension?

When appointing a property lawyer for your lease extension (regardless if they are a Orpington conveyancing practice) it is imperative that they be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of conveyancing. We advise that you talk with several firms including non Orpington conveyancing practices before you instructing a firm. If the firm is ALEP accredited then that’s a bonus. The following questions could be useful:

If the firm is not ALEP accredited then what is the reason?

I have attempted and failed to negotiate with my landlord to extend my lease without getting anywhere. Can the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal decide on such issues? Can you recommend a Orpington conveyancing firm to assist?

Where there is a missing landlord or if there is dispute about what the lease extension should cost, under the relevant statutes you can apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) to arrive at the sum to be paid.

An example of a Lease Extension case for a Orpington flat is 1 Southlands Court Southlands Road in September 2013. The Leasehold Valuation Tribunal determined that the premium to be paid by the tenant on the grant of a new lease, in accordance with section 56 and Schedule 13 of the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 was £30,541 This case was in relation to 1 flat. The unexpired term as at the valuation date was 50.57 years.