I have given 8 weeks notice to my current landlord and must be out of my let out flat in Old Coulsdon by 11/11/2025. Conveyancing for my house purchase has just started. How realistic is it to complete in three weeks as I wish to avoid having to find temporary accommodation?

The normal practice is not to serve notice on a rental unless your lawyer suggests that you should. Assuming that you have not already done so, speak to your conveyancer and ask them to they chase the sellers side, try to get a realistic time scale from them that everyone will work to achieve

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

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

Previous rentcharges can now be redeemed by making a one off payment under the Act. Any rentcharges that are still in existence after 2037 will be extinguished.

Over the last few months I have been searching for a flat up to £305k and identified one round the corner in Old Coulsdon I like with a park and transport links in the vicinity, the downside is that it's only got 51 years unexpired on the lease. I can't really find anything else in Old Coulsdon suitable, so just wondered if I would be making a grave error purchasing a lease with such few years left?

If you need a mortgage the remaining unexpired lease term will be an issue. Discount the price by the amount the lease extension will cost if not already taken into account. If the current owner has owned the property for a minimum of 2 years you could ask them to commence the lease extension formalities and then assign it to you. An additional ninety years can be extended on to the current lease term with a zero ground rent applied. You should speak to your conveyancing lawyer about this matter.

How does the Landlord & Tenant Act 1954 affect my business property in Old Coulsdon and how can your lawyers assist?

The 1954 Act provides security of tenure to commercial lessees, granting the dueness to apply to court for a continuation of occupancy when the lease reaches an end. There are certain specified grounds where a landlord can refrain from granting a lease renewal and the rules are complex. We are happy to direct you to commercial conveyancing solicitors who use the act to your advantage and help with commercial conveyancing in Old Coulsdon

Is it best to instruct a Old Coulsdon conveyancing lawyer in close proximity to the house I am buying? I have an old university friend who can perform the conveyancing but they are based over three hundred kilometers away.

The primary upside of using a local Old Coulsdon conveyancing practice is that you can visit the firm to sign paperwork, hand in your ID and pester them if necessary. Having local Old Coulsdon know how is a bonus. However it's more important to get someone that will do a good and efficient job. If other friends have instructed your friend and they were content that should surpass using an unfamiliar Old Coulsdon conveyancing lawyer solely due to them being Old Coulsdon based.