I am obtaining a mortgage offer from Lloyds. I would like to retain the legal services of a Licensed Conveyancer in Slough. Does the Lloyds Conveyancing panel allow for conveyancers regulated by the CLC?

The Lloyds approved solicitor list is, like many other lenders, represented by the Council or Mortgage Lenders or BSA, open to Licensed Conveyancers regulated by the Council of Licensed Conveyancers.

My husband and I are purchasing a newly constructed duplex in Slough and my lawyer is telling me that she has to the mortgage company to disclose incentives from the developer. I am under pressure to exchange and I have no desire to prolong deal. Is my lawyer right?

You should not exchange unless you have been advised to do so by your solicitor. A precondition to being on a bank panel is to comply with the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook conditions. The CML Conveyancing Handbook requires that your lawyer have the appropriate Disclosure of Incentive form completed by the developer and accepted by your lender.

I purchased a freehold residence in Slough but still pay rent, why is this and what is this?

It is rare for properties in Slough and has limited impact for conveyancing in Slough 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 many centuries, but the Rent Charge Act 1977 barred the generation of new 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 after 2037 is to be dispensed with completely.

I bought my house on 14 March and my personal details is not yet registered. Need I be worried? My conveyancing solicitor in Slough advises it will be concluded inside ten days. Are properties in Slough uniquely lengthy to register?

As far as conveyancing in Slough is concerned, registration is no quicker or slower than anywhere else in the country. As opposed to being determined by geographic area, timescales can vary according to the party submitting the application, whether it is in order and whether the Land registry communicate with any other persons or bodies. As of today approximately three quarters of such applications are completed in less than three weeks but some can be subject to longer hold-ups. Historically registration takes place once the purchaser has moved in to the property thus 'speed' is not always top priority but if it is urgent that the the registration takes place urgently then you or your conveyancer should contact the land registry and explain the circumstances.

I decided to have a survey done on a property in Slough before retaining solicitors. I have been informed that there is a flying freehold aspect to the property. My surveyor has said that some lenders may not give a mortgage on a flying freehold premises.

It varies from the lender to lender. Lloyds has different requirements from Halifax. 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 accustomed to dealing with flying freeholds in Slough. Conveyancing can be more complicated and therefore you should check with your conveyancing solicitor in Slough to see if the conveyancing will be more expensive.