I have given 8 weeks notice to my existing landlord and have to vacate my let out property in Rotherhithe by 21/11/2025. Conveyancing on my purchase is progressing. Can I complete in six weeks as don't want to have to move into short term accommodation?

Generally one should not serve notice for your letting unless your lawyer suggests that you should. Assuming that you have not already done so, update to your conveyancer and urge them to they cajole the other solicitors, try to get a realistic time scale from them that all parties will aim towards

I purchased a freehold property in Rotherhithe but nevertheless charged rent, why is this and what is this?

It’s unusual for properties in Rotherhithe and has limited impact for conveyancing in Rotherhithe 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.

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

What does a local search tell me concerning the property I am buying in Rotherhithe?

Rotherhithe conveyancing often commences with the submitting local authority searches directly from your local Authority or through a personal search company for example PSG The local search is essential in every Rotherhithe conveyancing purchase; as long as you wish to avoid any nasty surprises after you move into your new home. The search will supply information on, amongst other things, details on planning applications applicable to the premises (whether granted or refused), building control history, any enforcement action, restrictions on permitted development, nearby road schemes, contaminated land and radon gas; in all a total of thirteen subject areas.

five months have elapsed since my purchase conveyancing in Rotherhithe concluded. I have checked the Land Registry website which shows that I paid £175,000 when infact I paid £215,000. Why the discrepancy?

The price paid figure is taken from the application to register the purchase. It is the figure included in the Transfer (the legal deed which transfers the asset from one person to the other) and referred to as the 'consideration' or purchase price. You can report an error in the price paid figure using the LR online form. In most cases errors result from typos so at first glance the figure. Do report it so they can double check and advise.

How does conveyancing in Rotherhithe differ for newly converted properties?

Most buyers of new build premises in Rotherhithe contact us having been asked by the developer to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the residence is constructed. This is because builders in Rotherhithe typically buy the site, plan the estate and want to get the plots sold off as they are building the properties. Buyers, therefore, will have to exchange contracts without actually seeing the house they are buying. To reduce the chances of losing the property, buyers should instruct conveyancers as soon as the property is reserved and mortgage applications should be submitted quickly. Due to the fact that it could be several months and even years between exchange of contracts and completion, the mortgage offer may need to be extended. It would be wise to use a lawyer who specialises in new build conveyancing especially if they are used to new build conveyancing in Rotherhithe or who has acted in the same development.