What guidance do you have for searching for freehold conveyancing in Hastings?

Option 1 is to ask connections who they would recommend.

Option 2 is to search the internet for conveyancing in Hastings. Phone two or three listed and request that they forward you their conveyancing fees and speak to the lawyer who will conduct your conveyancing in advance ofcommitting.

Option 3 is to make use of our search tool to assist you in finding the right lawyers taking into account your individual factors including area of the property,speed, complications and who your intended mortgage company is. Resist the temptation to opt for low cost conveyancing in Hastings

I am the registered owner of a freehold premises in Hastings but still invoiced for rent, why is this and what is this?

It’s unusual for properties in Hastings and has limited impact for conveyancing in Hastings 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 have existed for hundreds of years, but the Rent Charge Act 1977 barred the establishment of fresh rentcharges post 1977.

Old 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 extinguished.

Due to the input of my in-laws I had a survey completed on a house in Hastings in advance of instructing solicitors. I have been told that there is a flying freehold overhang to the house. The surveyor has said that some banks may not give a loan on such a house.

It depends who your proposed lender is. Bank of Scotland has different requirements from Halifax. Should you wish to telephone us we can investigate further with the relevant lender. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can help as they are accustomed to dealing with flying freeholds in Hastings. Conveyancing can be more complicated and therefore you should check with your conveyancing solicitor in Hastings to see if the conveyancing will be more expensive.

Last May I purchased a leasehold house in Hastings. Am I liable to pay service charges for periods before my ownership?

Where the service charge has already been demanded from the previous owner and they have not paid you would not usually be personally liable for the arrears. Strange as it may seem, your landlord may still be able to take action to forfeit the lease. It is an essential part of leasehold conveyancing for your conveyancer to be sure to have an up to date clear service charge receipt before completion of your purchase. If you have a mortgage this is likely to be a requirement of your lender.

If you purchase part way through an accounting year you may be liable for charges not yet demanded even if they relate to a period prior to your purchase. In such circumstances your conveyancer would normally arrange for the seller to set aside some money to cover their part of the period (usually called a service charge retention).

I acquired a basement flat in Hastings, conveyancing having been completed half a dozen years ago. How much will my lease extension cost? Equivalent flats in Hastings with an extended lease are worth £185,000. The ground rent is £65 levied per year. The lease finishes on 21st October 2085

With 60 years unexpired we estimate the premium for your lease extension to range between £20,000 and £23,000 plus legals.

The suggested premium range that we have given is a general guide to costs for renewing a lease, but we are not able to advice on a more accurate figure without more detailed due diligence. You should not use the figures in tribunal or court proceedings. There may be additional concerns that need to be taken into account and clearly you want to be as accurate as possible in your negotiations. Neither should you take any other action based on this information without first seeking the advice of a professional.

I'm selling a apartment in Hastings. I can find my conveyancer's company on the Law Society's list, but I can't locate my conveyancer's name on the list. Should I be concerned?

Not every individual in the company must be listed by the regulator. As long there is someone qualified to 'oversee' the work, the actual day-to-day activity can be undertaken by unlicensed staff.