I am considering applying for a Co-operative mortgage for purchase of a new build (under development) in Chester le Street with 70% LTV. Is it compulsory to choose a solicitor on the conveyancing panel for Co-operative ?

In theory, you could use a solicitor that is not on the Co-operative conveyancing panel, but Co-operative would require one of their panel solicitors to be instructed to act in their interests, and you'd have to pay for this - so most people instruct a panel solicitor. It's also easier, as otherwise you'd have to deal with two solicitors for the same conveyancing matter.

I know that there are debates on Chancel Insurance on online forums. Do I require chancel insurance when purchasing a property in Chester le Street? or I am told that there is a law dating back centuries that could mean that house owners residing in a parish church boundary may be liable to pay for repairs to the chancel within the church. Is this applicable for conveyancing in Chester le Street?

Unless a previous purchase of the premises took place post 12 October 2013 you can assume that solicitors carrying out conveyancing in Chester le Street to remain recommending a chancel search and or chancel repair liability insurance.

I need to appoint a conveyancing solicitor for sale conveyancing in Chester le Street. I have chance upon a site which seems to have the ideal answer If it is possible to get all this stuff done via email that would be ideal. Do I need to be wary? What should out be looking out for?

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?

My wife and I purchased a leasehold house in Chester le Street. Conveyancing and Barclays Direct mortgage are in place. I have received a letter from someone saying they have taken over the freehold. It included a ground rent demand for rent dating back to 1995. The conveyancing practitioner in Chester le Street who acted for me is not around. Do I pay?

First make enquiries of HMLR to be sure that the individual purporting to own the freehold is indeed the new freeholder. It is not necessary to incur the fees of a Chester le Street conveyancing firm to do this as you can do this on the Land Registry website for less than a fiver. Rest assured that in any event, even if this is the rightful freeholder, under the Limitation Act 1980 the limitation period for recovery of ground rent is six years.

Chester le Street Leasehold Conveyancing - Examples of Queries Prior to buying

Generally speaking the outlay for major works tend not to be included within service charges, although there some managing agents in Chester le Street obliged leaseholders to pay into a reserve fund and this is used to offset against major works. Who is in charge of the building? How many years are left on the lease?

Are there any distinct benefits to instructing a high street lawyer in Chester le Street

Plenty of house movers in Chester le Street opt for a nearby high street lawyer so that they can attend the firm’s offices in the event that they have concerns, and to execute documents without using the post.

There is a marginal benefit in selecting a property lawyer nearby to the property you are planning to purchase, due to the familiarity of the area and possible local concerns - but this is debatable. The majority of conveyancers are now through email and could be practically anywhere.