I own a freehold house in Altrincham but nevertheless pay rent, why is this and what is this?

It’s unusual for properties in Altrincham and has limited impact for conveyancing in Altrincham 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 fresh rentcharges post 1977.

Previous rentcharges can now be redeemed by making a lump sum payment under the Act. Any rentcharges that are still in existence after 2037 will be dispensed with completely.

We are purchasing a end of terrace house in Altrincham. Our aim is to carry out an extension to the side at the property.Will the conveyancing process include enquiries to ascertain if these alterations are prohibited?

Your conveyancer should check the registered title as conveyancing in Altrincham can on occasion reveal restrictions in the title documents which prevent certain alterations or need the consent of a 3rd party. Certain additions need local authority planning permissions and approval in accordance building regulations. Certain areas are designated conservation areas and special planning restrictions apply which often prevent or affect extensions. It would be sensible to check these things with a surveyor ahead of any purchase.

Are all Altrincham Conveyancing Quality Solicitors on the conveyancing panel?

A selection of lenders now make use of CQS as the starting point for Panel approval such as HSBC and Santander. The Law Society’s CQS accreditation however is no guarantee to lender panel acceptance. That being said,the Council of Mortgage Lenders have indicated that it is likely to become a pre-requisite for firms wishing to remain on their panels.

We have a mortgage agreed in principle with . Altrincham conveyancing lawyers have been instructed. How long does it take for to forward the offer to the ?

Some lenders take longer than others. Have conducted the survey? Have you informed as to your lawyers' details and checked that your lawyers are on the conveyancing panel? It is not unusual for a mortgage offer to take a month to come through.

How does conveyancing in Altrincham differ for newly converted properties?

Most buyers of new build or newly converted property in Altrincham contact us having been asked by the seller to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the property is constructed. This is because house builders in Altrincham typically purchase 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 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 accustomed to new build conveyancing in Altrincham or who has acted in the same development.

I am the registered owner of a split level flat in Altrincham, conveyancing was carried out 1995. Can you shed any light on how much the price could be for a 90 year extension to my lease? Comparable flats in Altrincham with over 90 years remaining are worth £165,000. The ground rent is £45 invoiced every year. The lease terminates on 21st October 50

You have 50 years left to run the likely cost is going to be between £36,100 and £41,800 as well as plus your own and the landlord's "reasonable" professional fees.

The figure above a general guide to costs for renewing a lease, but we are not able to provide the actual costs in the absence of detailed due diligence. Do not use the figures in tribunal or court proceedings. There are no doubt additional concerns that need to be considered and you obviously should be as accurate as possible in your negotiations. Please do not move forward based on this information without first getting professional advice.

I have checked your search tool I can't find the lawyer I was hoping to instruct as being on the bank conveyancing panel. My lawyer has said that they are on the bank approved panel. How can I be sure given that they are not listed on your directory?

Not all firms are yet listed on our lender panel search tool which is still relatively new. Law firms are listing on a daily basis and it is probably the case that your lawyer is on the lender conveyancing lawyer and you should probably take them at their word. Please do feel free to suggest that they completing their listing on our site as it would only cost them £1 a month to list themselves as being on the mortgage company solicitor panel.