I am the registered owner of a freehold residence in Tadley yet charged rent, why is this and what is this?

It is rare for properties in Tadley and has limited impact for conveyancing in Tadley 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 establishment of new rentcharges post 1977.

Previous rentcharges can now be extinguished by making a lump sum payment under the Act. Any rentcharges that are still in existence after 2037 is to be dispensed with completely.

Is it necessary to take out insurance to cover chancel repairs when buying a property in Tadley?

Unless a prior acquisition of the premises completed after 12 October 2013 you can take it that lawyers conducting conveyancing in Tadley to continue to recommend a chancel search and or insurance against a claim.

How does conveyancing in Tadley differ for new build properties?

Most buyers of new build property in Tadley contact us having been asked by the builder to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the premises is finished. This is because house builders in Tadley typically acquire the land, 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 property lawyers 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 accustomed to new build conveyancing in Tadley or who has acted in the same development.

I have been on the look out for a leasehold apartment up to £195,000 and identified one round the corner in Tadley I like with open areas and transport links nearby, the downside is that it's only got 61 years on the lease. I can't really find anything else in Tadley suitable, so just wondered if I would be making a grave error buying a lease with such few years left?

Should you require a home loan that many years may be an issue. Reduce the price by the anticipated lease extension will cost if not already taken into account. If the current proprietor has owned the premises for a minimum of 2 years you could ask them to commence the lease extension formalities and then assign it to you. You can add 90 years to the existing lease with a zero ground rent applied. You should consult your conveyancing lawyer concerning this matter.

I am thinking of appointing a conveyancing solicitor in Tadley for my house move. Can I see a firm’s complaints history with the legal regulator?

One can see presented Solicitor Regulator Association (SRA) determinations stemming from investigations from 2008 onwards. Visit Check a solicitor's record. For information Pre 2008, or to check a firm's history, call 0870 606 2555, 08.00 - 18.00 any week day save for Tuesday when lines open at 9.30am. International callers, call +44 (0)121 329 6800. The regulator could monitor call for training requirements.