I purchased a freehold premises in Barking yet invoiced for rent, why is this and what is this?

It is rare for properties in Barking and has limited impact for conveyancing in Barking 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 creation 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 post 2037 will be dispensed with completely.

We're in Barking, First time buyers purchasing with a mortgage (lender is Yorkshire BS , and our solicitor is on the Yorkshire BS conveyancing panel). How long should the conveyancing process take?

The fact that your lawyer is on the Yorkshire BS conveyancing panel is a help. It would almost certainly delay matters if they were not. However, no solicitor should guarantee a timeframe for your conveyancing, due to third parties outside of your control such as delays caused by lenders,conveyancing search providers or by the other side’s solicitors. The time taken is often determined by the number of parties in a chain.

How does conveyancing in Barking differ for new build properties?

Most buyers of new build residence in Barking come to us having been asked by the developer to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the residence is built. This is because builders in Barking usually 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 conveyancing solicitors 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 Barking or who has acted in the same development.

I've recently found out that there is a flying freehold element on a house I have offered on two weeks back in what was supposed to be a straight forward, chain free conveyancing. Barking is where the house is located. Is there any advice you can give?

Flying freeholds in Barking are unusual but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even where you use a solicitor outside Barking you would need to get your solicitor to go through the deeds diligently. Your bank may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Barking may ascertain that this is not enough and that the deeds be re-written to give you the most up to date legal protection. If so, the next door neighbour also had to sign up to the revised deeds.It is possible that your lender will not accept the situation so the sooner you find out the better. You should also check with your insurance broker as to whether they will insure a flying freehold property.

Given that I am about to part with £400,000 on a property in Barking I would like to have a conversation with the solicitor concerning thehouse move before appointing the firm. Can this be arranged?

Absolutely - it is our preference to talk to you we do not take any clients on without you speaking to the lawyer who will be conducting your property ownership legalities in Barking.There is no ‘factory style conveyancing’ - every client is unique individual, not a matter number. The solicitors that we put you in touch with believe that the figure you are calculated and presented to you for your conveyancing in Barking should be the amount on the final invoice that you end up paying.