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

It’s unusual for properties in New Cross and has limited impact for conveyancing in New Cross 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 creation of fresh rentcharges from 1977 onwards.

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

I have an AIP. The lender mentioned the home loan came with free conveyancing. Is the implication that I have to instruct their panel solicitor as I would much rather use a New Cross based conveyancing firm?

You should check but the the likelihood is that appoint one of their panel solicitors should you accept the "fee-free" incentive. Contact the bank and explore if they make available a cash alternative. It is not unheard for a lender to give a £250 cashback as a further option in which case that money can go towards the cost for your conveyancing solicitor in New Cross.

I have a 4 bedroom Victorian property in New Cross. Conveyancing practitioner represented me and Barnsley Building Society. I did a free Land Registry search last week and there are a couple of entries: the first freehold, another for leasehold under the matching address. Is it worth asking Barnsley Building Society to clarify?

You should review the Freehold register you have again and check the Charges Register as there may be mention of a lease. The best way to be sure that you are also the registered owner of the leasehold and freehold title as well is to check (£3). It is not completely unheard of in New Cross and other locations in the country and poses no real issues for owners other than when they sell they have to account for both freehold and leasehold interests when dealing with buyers. You can also check the position with your conveyancing practitioner who conducted the work.

What does commercial conveyancing in New Cross cover?

Commercial conveyancing in New Cross covers a wide range of services, given by qualified solicitors, relating to business premises. By way of example, this type of conveyancing can cover the sale or purchase of freehold business premises or, more commonly, the transfer of existing leases or the drafting of new leasing arrangements. Commercial conveyancing solicitors can also offer advice on the sale of business assets, commercial loans and the termination of tenancies.

I am using a search engine for the words conveyancing in New Cross it reveals many conveyancersin the area. With so much choice what is the best way to find the right property lawyer for the sale of my house?

The ideal method of choosing the right conveyancer is via trusted recommendation, so seek the counsel of friends and relatives who have acquired a property in New Cross or the respected estate agent or mortgage broker. Costs for conveyancing in New Cross differ, so it's advisable to request a minimum of three quotes from different companies. Dont forget to clarify that the fees are fixed.