I own a freehold premises in Shotley Bridge but nevertheless invoiced for rent, why is this and what is this?

It is rare for properties in Shotley Bridge and has limited impact for conveyancing in Shotley Bridge 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 have existed for hundreds of years, but the Rent Charge Act 1977 barred the generation of fresh rentcharges post 1977.

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 extinguished.

I can see plenty of information on this site concerning conveyancing in Shotley Bridge but can you isolate your top tip for finding the right conveyancer in Shotley Bridge

Do not opt for the cheapest Shotley Bridge conveyancing fees. You really do get what you’re paying for when it comes to conveyancing solicitors. A cheap quote may mean that the conveyancing solicitor is handling a lot of jobs at one time and you won’t get the quality of service and the attention that you need. It is, however, wise to use a conveyancer who has a fixed fee on a no sale, no fee basis. This way, you go into the conveyancing with your eyes wide open.

I'm spending time viewing flats in Shotley Bridge and I am now considering a potential offer. Should I already have a lawyer appointed at this stage? I intend to finance via a mortgage with Bank of Ireland.

You should start requesting conveyancing estimates from solicitors ASAP. After you have chosen your lawyer and once your offer is accepted you can instruct them to work for you and forward their details on to the selling agent. As you are taking out a mortgage with Bank of Ireland, ask your prospective lawyers if they are on the Bank of Ireland conveyancing panel otherwise they can't do the mortgage legal work.

RBS have agreed my home loan in principle, my bid on a flat in Shotley Bridge has been accepted, what happens next?

Your estate agent will wish to be advised as to your property lawyer's details (ensure that the conveyancing practitioners are on the lender’s approved list). Contact RBS or the broker and finalise any outstanding forms. RBS will appoint a valuer who will get in touch with the estate agent or owners to book an appointment. Once conducted (assuming no problems) it takes approximately a week for the mortgage offer to be issued. RBS will issue the offer to you and your conveyancing practitioners. The legal work will then take it’s course according the nature and complexity of the conveyancing in Shotley Bridge.

Due to the input of my in-laws I had a survey completed on a house in Shotley Bridge ahead of retaining solicitors. I have been informed that there is a flying freehold aspect to the house. The surveyor has said that some banks will not grant a loan on this type of premises.

It varies from the lender to lender. Santander has different instructions from Nationwide. If you contact us we can investigate further via the appropriate mortgage company. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can assist as they are used to dealing with flying freeholds in Shotley Bridge. Conveyancing may be slightly more expensive based on your lender's requirements.

I need to appoint a conveyancing solicitor for freehold conveyancing in Shotley Bridge. I have land on a web site which appears to be the ideal answer If there is a chance to get all the legals completed via phone that would be ideal. Should I be concerned? What should out be looking out for?

As usual with these online conveyancers you need to read ALL the small print - did you notice the extra charge for dealing with the mortgage?

Can you offer any advice when it comes to choosing a Shotley Bridge conveyancing practice to carry out our lease extension conveyancing?

If you are instructing a conveyancer for lease extension works (regardless if they are a Shotley Bridge conveyancing practice) it is essential that they be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of conveyancing. We recommend that you talk with several firms including non Shotley Bridge conveyancing practices prior to instructing a firm. Where the conveyancing practice is ALEP accredited then so much the better. The following questions might be helpful:

If they are not ALEP accredited then what is the reason?

Shotley Bridge Conveyancing for Leasehold Flats - Examples of Questions you should ask before buying

How is the lease structured? It is important to be aware whether fixing the lift or some other major work is due in the foreseeable future that will be shared by the leaseholders and will dramatically increase the the service fees or result in a specific invoice. Can you tell me if there are any major works in the planning that could increase the service fees?