We are due to exchange buying a property in Jarrow but as a consequence of wreckage from a small fire at the property I have managed to agree reparation from the vendor in the sum of £2k in the form of a adjustment in the price. I had intended this to be dealt with as part of a side agreement but Virgin Money will not agree to this. Should they have been involved?

The conveyancer being on a Virgin Money approved list is duty bound to advise Virgin Money of any variations to the purchase price. If you prohibit your property lawyer to report the reduction to Virgin Money then they would have to discontinue acting for you. In addition, Virgin Money and you would have to appoint a new lawyer for your conveyancing in Jarrow.

I own a freehold property in Jarrow yet pay rent, why is this and what is this?

It’s unusual for properties in Jarrow and has limited impact for conveyancing in Jarrow 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 many centuries, but the Rent Charge Act 1977 barred the generation of fresh rentcharges post 1977.

Old rentcharges can now be redeemed by making a lump sum payment under the Act. Any rentcharges that are still in existence in 2037 will be dispensed with completely.

I am buying a house and need a conveyancing solicitor in Jarrow who is on the The Mortgage Works conveyancing. Could you point me in the right direction as regards a firm?

Our service is limited to being a directory service for firms who wish to listed as being on the approved conveyancing panel for The Mortgage Works in certain locations such as Jarrow. We dont recommend any particular firm.

Will our conveyancer be asking questions concerning flooding as part of the conveyancing in Jarrow.

The risk of flooding is if increasing concern for conveyancers carrying out conveyancing in Jarrow. There are those who purchase a house in Jarrow, completely aware that at some time, it may be flooded. However, aside from the physical destruction, where a property is at risk of flooding, it may be difficult to get a mortgage, suitable insurance cover, or sell the property. There are steps that can be taken during the course of a property purchase to forewarn the buyer.

Solicitors are not qualified to offer advice on flood risk, however there are a numerous checks that may be undertaken by the buyer or by their lawyers which can give them a better understanding of the risks in Jarrow. The conventional set of property information forms given to a purchaser’s solicitor (where the solicitors are adopting what is known as the Conveyancing Protocol) incorporates a standard question of the owner to find out whether the property has suffered from flooding. If flooding has previously occurred and is not disclosed by the seller, then a buyer may issue a legal claim for losses resulting from an inaccurate reply. The buyer’s solicitors will also commission an enviro report. This will disclose whether there is a recorded flood risk. If so, additional investigations will need to be conducted.

Looking forward to exchange soon on a leasehold property in Jarrow. Conveyancing solicitors assured me that they will have a report out to me next week. What should I be looking out for?

The report on title for your leasehold conveyancing in Jarrow should include some of the following:

Do you need to have carpet in the flat or are you allowed wood flooring? Will you be prohibited or prevented from having pets in the property? Repair and maintenance of the flat Changes to the premises The landlord’s rights to access the premises. You should be made aware that your landlord has rights of access as well as be informed how much notice must be provided.

Leasehold Conveyancing in Jarrow - A selection of Queries Prior to buying

The prefered form of lease arrangement is a share of the freehold. In this situation the leaseholders benefit from being in charge if their destiny and notwithstanding that a managing agent is usually employed if the building is larger than a house conversion, the managing agent is directed by the tenants. Best to be warned if window replacement or some other major work is coming up to be shared amongst the tenants and will dramatically impact the level of the service costs or necessitate a one time invoice. Please inform me if there are any major works in the near future that could increase the maintenance fees?