I am the registered owner of a freehold residence in Dunmow but still charged rent, why is this and what is this?

It is rare for properties in Dunmow and has limited impact for conveyancing in Dunmow 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 from 1977 onwards.

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

Have purchased a a detached house in Dunmow , What is the estimated time for the Land Registry to record the transfer to my name? My Dunmow conveyancing solicitor works at snail pace, so I want to be certain that my ownership is recorded.

As far as conveyancing in Dunmow registration is no faster or slower than anywhere else in the country. As opposed to being determined by geographic area, timeframes can vary subject to who lodges the application, whether there are errors and whether the Land registry must send notices to any interested parties. As of today in the region of three quarters of such applications are fully addressed in less than three weeks but occasionally there can be longer delays. Registration is effected once the new owner is living at the property therefore 'speed' is not typically top priority yet if it is urgent that the the registration takes place urgently then you or your solicitor must communicate with the Registry to express the reasoning for the application to be prioritised.

Do I need to be suspicious about 3rd parties that I am dealing with are recommending a web based conveyancing firm as opposed to a High Street Dunmow conveyancing company?

As with lots of professional services, often referrals from connections can be extremely useful or valuable. But there are lots of players in a conveyancing deal; estate agents, financial adviser and mortgage companies may suggest conveyancers to use. Sometimes the lawyers might be known to one of the organisations as one of the best in their field, but occasionally there may be a financial incentive behind the endorsement. You have the discretion to appoint your preferred lawyer. However, bear in mind that some banks operate an approved list of law firms you are obliged to use for the lender aspect of your transaction.

I need to retain a conveyancing solicitor for purchase conveyancing in Dunmow. I have chance upon a web site which looks to be the ideal answer If it is possible to get all this stuff done via web 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?

I happen to be an executor of my recently deceased mother’s Will, with a bungalow in Dunmow which is to be sold. The bungalow has never been registered at HMLR and I'm told that some purchasers will insist that it is in place before they will proceed. What's the procedure for this?

In the situation that you have set out it seems advisable to apply to register in the names of the personal representative(s) as named in the probate and in their capacity as PRs. The Land Registry’s online guidance explains how to register for the first time and what is required re the deeds and forms. You would need to include and official copy of the probate as well and complete the form FR1 to refer to the PRs as the applicant.