My partner and I have recently purchased a house in Peterlee. We have noticed several problems with the property which we consider were overlooked in the conveyancing searches. Is there anything we can do? Can you clarify the nature of searches that needed to have been ordered for conveyancing in Peterlee?

It is not clear from the question as what problems have arisen and if they are specific to conveyancing in Peterlee. Conveyancing searches and due diligence initiated as part of the buying process are supposed to help avoid problems. As part of the legal transfer of property, a property owner completes a document called a SPIF. answers turns out to be inaccurate, then you may have a claim against the seller for any losses that you have suffered. The survey should have identified any problems with the structure of the property. Assuming a detailed survey was carried out and the issues were not identified, you may have a claim against the surveyor. However, if you did not have a full survey, you may be responsible for fixing any defects that have now been noted. We would always encourage buyers to take every possible step to ensure they are completely aware of the condition of a property before purchase regardless of whether they are buying in Peterlee.

I own a freehold residence in Peterlee but nevertheless invoiced for rent, why is this and what is this?

It’s unusual for properties in Peterlee and has limited impact for conveyancing in Peterlee 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 hundreds of years, but the Rent Charge Act 1977 barred the creation of new rentcharges from 1977 onwards.

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

I decided to have a survey completed on a property in Peterlee ahead of instructing solicitors. I have been informed that there is a flying freehold aspect to the house. The surveyor has said that some banks may refuse to issue a loan on a flying freehold premises.

It depends who your proposed lender is. Santander has different requirements from Birmingham Midshires. Should you wish to call us we can check via the appropriate bank. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can assist as they are used to dealing with flying freeholds in Peterlee. Conveyancing may be slightly more expensive based on your lender's requirements.

I was advised by a number of property agents in Peterlee to select a conveyancer using your seach tool. Is there a financial incentive for Estate Agents to offer your services over alternative conveyancing organisations?

We don’t make any financial incentive for sending work our way. We found it would be just too difficult a fee as home movers will think, ‘How come the agent getting a kickback? Why aren’t I receiving any benefit too?’ We would prefer to grow our business on genuine recommendations.

We are about to purchasing a apartment in Peterlee. Conveyancing is not complete but we wish to keep our purchase price a secret from sites such as Rightmove. what can I do to ensure this is not disclosed?

HM Land Registry as a matter of law required to note price paid data on the official title for domestic properties nationwide which includes properties in Peterlee. The register of ownership is an open document, so the Land Registry would be breaking the law excluded certain homes such as the property in Peterlee.

You can make a request of HM Land Registry to withhold the price paid entry yet the answer will be a No.