I own a freehold premises in Bucklesham but nevertheless invoiced for rent, why is this and what is this?

It’s unusual for properties in Bucklesham and has limited impact for conveyancing in Bucklesham 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 generation of fresh rentcharges from 1977 onwards.

Old rentcharges can now be redeemed by making a lump sum payment under the Act. Any rentcharges that are still in existence after 2037 is to be extinguished.

I have 71 years remaining on my lease and require a lease extension for my apartment in Bucklesham. Conveyancing solicitors on the Platform panel can deal with such extensions right?

Most leasehold conveyancing experts should be able to deal with a lease extension. if you are obtaining a mortgage then your lender may insist that the lease be extended before competition. Platform have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook in relation to minimum unexpired lease terms. As of 6/4/2024 the requirements read as follows :

I am downsizing from our property in Bucklesham and according to the buyers it appears that there is a risk of it being built on contaminated land. Any high street Bucklesham conveyancer would know this is not the case. It does beg the question why the purchasers are using a national conveyancing outfit rather than a conveyancing solicitor in Bucklesham. We have lived in Bucklesham for 4 years we know that this is a non issue. Do we contact our local Authority to obtain confirmation that there is no issue.

It sounds as though you may have a conveyancing lawyer currently acting for you. What do they say? You need to check with your lawyer before you do anything. It is very possible that once the local authority has been informed of a potential issue it cannot be insured against (a bit like being diagnosed with a serious illness and then taking out health insurance to cover that same sickness)

Just had an offer accepted on a new build apartment in Bucklesham. Conveyancing is necessary evil at the best of times but I have never purchased a new build flat before. Can you give me some examples of some of the questions asked in new build conveyancing.

Set out below are examples of a few leasehold new build enquiries that you can expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Bucklesham

Will control of the Management Company (if any) be handed over to purchasers on completion of the last sale or earlier? Where there is an Undertaking being granted there is the risk of forfeiture of the Headlease subject to relief if one or more of the Underlessees are willing to accept the original Head Lessee’s obligations as otherwise relief will be denied to the Underlessees. The only alternatives are the Head Lessor agreeing not to forfeit the Headlease or the Head Lessee guaranteeing to the Underlessees that it will not be in breach of the Headlease. There must be mutual enforceability of lessee’s covenants. Investor purchasers must be able to freely grant unsecured tenancies at market rents without requiring any consents. Will the freehold then be transferred for a nominal consideration (not exceeding £100) to the Management Company?

I need to find a conveyancing solicitor for purchase conveyancing in Bucklesham. I have stumble across a web site which looks to be the perfect answer If there is a chance to get all formalities completed via phone that would be preferable. Should I 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?