My fiance and I are intent on purchasing residence in Ruislip Gardens. My property lawyer is not on the bank solicitor list. Can I still use my Ruislip Gardens conveyancing solicitor notwithstanding that they are excluded from the mortgage company panel of approved conveyancing solicitors?

Your options include

• Complete the deal with your chosen Ruislip Gardens property lawyer but your lender will undoubtedly retain a property lawyer on their conveyancing panel. The net result is additional fees and potential frustration.
• Appoint a fresh conveyancing practitioner to conduct the conveyancing, obviously checking they are on the mortgage company conveyancing panel.
• Convince your property lawyer to do everything possible to get listed on the lender’s panel of solicitors

I own a freehold property in Ruislip Gardens but still charged rent, why is this and what is this?

It is rare for properties in Ruislip Gardens and has limited impact for conveyancing in Ruislip Gardens 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 generation 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 after 2037 is to be extinguished.

Do I have to pop into the offices of the solicitor to execute the legal charge? If so, I will choose one who does conveyancing in Ruislip Gardens so that I can pop in to their offices if required.

Whereas this was necessary twenty years ago, the vast majority lenders no longer require their conveyancing panel lawyer to witness the mortgagors signature. It will still be necessary for you to supply ID documents and there are still manifest benefits to choosing a locally based practitioner, in your case a conveyancing solicitor in Ruislip Gardens.

Just had an offer accepted on a new build apartment in Ruislip Gardens. Conveyancing is daunting at the best of times but I have never purchased a new build flat before. Can you give me some examples of some of the questions asked in new build conveyancing.

Here is a sample of a few leasehold new build questions that you may expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Ruislip Gardens

Please provide evidence that the form of Lease proposed has been approved by the Land Registry. The Vendor must covenant to keep unsold units in good repair until long leases are granted therefore. Investor purchasers must be able to freely grant unsecured tenancies at market rents without requiring any consents. Will the freehold then be transferred for a nominal consideration (not exceeding £100) to the Management Company?

Why do I have to provide my lawyer with various items of identification before I can proceed with selling or purchasing a property in Ruislip Gardens?

Ruislip Gardens lawyers are required by the Law Society, Solicitors Regulation Authority, HMLR and current Money Laundering Regulations to certify that the have checked the identity of their clients. It is also sometimes a condition of your bank if you are taking a mortgage. In addition they have to complete various forms, particularly those relating to Land Tax and need to have details such as your full names, NI number and DOB.