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

It is rare for properties in Marple and has limited impact for conveyancing in Marple 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 new rentcharges post 1977.

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

Is it necessary during the course of the conveyancing process to visit the offices of the solicitor to sign the legal charge? If so, I will choose one who does conveyancing in Marple so that I can pop in to their offices if necessary.

Most conveyancing panel lawyers for mortgage companies undertake all of the work through the post, e-mail or over the phone. This enables them to conduct the legal work for your home move no matter where you live in England or Wales. Nevertheless you should check if you have the option of going to the offices of your conveyancing lawyer if needed.

Various internet forums that I have frequented warn that are the main reason for delay in Marple conveyancing transactions. Is there any truth in this?

The Council of Property Search Organisations (CoPSO) has noted the findings of a review by MoveWithUs that conveyancing searches do not figure within the common causes of delays in the conveyancing process. Searches are not likely to be the root cause of holding up conveyancing in Marple.

I am buying my first flat in Marple with the aid of help to buy. The builders refused to reduce the price so I negotiated £7000 of fixtures and fittings instead. The property agent told me not disclose to my lawyer about the side-deal as it would adversely affect my loan with the bank. Should I keep quiet?.

All lenders require a Disclosure of Incentives Form from the builder of any new build, converted or renovated property, It is available online from the Lenders’ Handbook page on the CML website. CML form is completed and handed to the lender's surveyor when the inspection is done.

Lenders have different policies on incentives. Some accept none at all, cash or physical, while others will accept cash incentives up to 5%.

Hard to understand why the representative of a builder would be suggesting you withold information from a solicitor when all this will be clearly visible on forms the builder has to supply to its solicitor, the buyer's solicitor and the surveyor.

I've recently found out that there is a flying freehold element on a property I put an offer in a fortnight ago in what should have been a simple, no chain conveyancing. Marple is where the house is located. Can you offer any assistance?

Flying freeholds in Marple are not the norm but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even where you use a solicitor outside Marple you must be sure that your lawyer goes through the deeds very carefully. Your mortgage company may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Marple may decide that this is not enough and that the deeds be re-written to give you the most up to date legal protection. If so, the next door neighbour also had to sign up to the revised deeds.It is possible that your lender will not accept the situation so the sooner you find out the better. You should also check with your insurance broker as to whether they will insure a flying freehold residence.