I am hoping to move into my new home in Acklam next Thursday. My lawyer now wants me to supply her with evidence of content and building insurance for the property as he says that he has to check this in his capacity as lawyer for the bank. What risks does the lender expect the insurance to cover?

All property lawyers on acting for mortgage companies would need to check that the following risks are covered fire; lightning; aircraft; explosion; earthquake; storm; flood; escape of water or oil; riot; malicious damage; theft or attempted theft; falling trees and branches and aerials; subsidence; heave;landslip;collision;accidental damage to underground services;professional fees, demolition and site clearance costs; and public liability to anyone else. There are some other issues such as the level of excess that are set out in a lender’s UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook conditions. These requirements are not limited to conveyancing in Acklam.

I am the registered owner of a freehold house in Acklam but still pay rent, why is this and what is this?

It is rare for properties in Acklam and has limited impact for conveyancing in Acklam 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 many centuries, but the Rent Charge Act 1977 barred the establishment of new rentcharges post 1977.

Previous rentcharges can now be extinguished by making a one off payment under the Act. Any rentcharges that are still in existence post 2037 is to be dispensed with completely.

I have been on the look out for a flat up to £235,500 and identified one close by in Acklam I like with amenity areas and railway links nearby, the downside is that it only has 61 years unexpired on the lease. There is not much else in Acklam for this price, so just wondered if I would be making a grave error buying a short lease?

If you require a mortgage the shortness of the lease will likely be a potential deal breaker. Discount the offer by the expected lease extension will cost if it has not already been discounted. If the current owner has owned the premises for a minimum of 2 years you may ask them to commence the lease extension formalities and then assign it to you. You can add 90 years to the existing lease term with a zero ground rent applied. You should consult your conveyancing lawyer concerning this.

I am looking into buying my first house which is in Acklam and I am already nervous. I couldn't find anything specific about Acklam. Conveyancing will be needed in due course but do you know about the Acklam area? or perhaps some other tips you can share?

Rather than looking online forget looking online you should go and have a look at Acklam. In the meantime here are some basic statistics that we found

Me and my husband accepted an offer on a Acklam apartment we inherited ten years ago in 2011. I have over 15 years conveyancing knowledge and, although retired, wish to do the legal work. The purchaser's solicitor has informed me that their bank will not allow us to do our own conveyancing requiring the funds to be transferred to a solicitor's bank account.

Mortgage requirements to solicitors from all CML members specify that If the seller is not legally represented the purchaser’s lawyers should check whether the bank needs to be notified so that a decision can be made as to whether or not they are prepared to progress.