Last July we completed a house move in West Sussex. We have since encountered a number of problems with the house which we consider were missed in the conveyancing searches. What action can we take? Can you clarify the nature of searches that needed to have been carried out as part of conveyancing in West Sussex?

The query is vague as to the nature of the problems and if they are unique to conveyancing in West Sussex. Conveyancing searches and investigations initiated as part of the legal transfer of property are supposed to help avoid problems. As part of the process, a seller fills in a questionnaire called a Seller’s Property Information Form. If the information proves to be inaccurate, you could possibly take legal action against the vendor for any losses that you have suffered. The survey should have identified any problems with the structure of the property. Assuming a detailed survey was carried out and the issues were not identified, you may have a claim against the surveyor. However, if you did not have a full survey, you may be responsible for fixing any defects that have now been noted. We would always encourage buyers to take every possible step to ensure they are completely aware of the condition of a property before purchase regardless of whether they are buying in West Sussex.

I own a freehold premises in West Sussex yet invoiced for rent, why is this and what is this?

It’s unusual for properties in West Sussex and has limited impact for conveyancing in West Sussex 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 hundreds of years, but the Rent Charge Act 1977 barred the generation of new rentcharges from 1977 onwards.

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

It has been 3 months following my purchase conveyancing in West Sussex took place. I have checked the Land Registry website which shows that I paid £200,000 when infact I paid £160,000. 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.

As co-executor for the estate of my aunt I am disposing of a house in Newport but I am based in West Sussex. My solicitor (based 200 kilometers awayrequires that I execute a statutory declaration ahead of the transaction finalising. Can you recommend a conveyancing solicitor in West Sussex to attest and place their company stamp on the document?

Technically speaking you should not need to have the documents witnessed by a conveyancing solicitor. Ordinarily or notary public or qualified solicitor will do regardless of whether they are based in West Sussex

Do online conveyancing organisations undertake everything a local West Sussex solicitor does or do I still need to retain a solicitor for the final stages for my conveyancing in West Sussex?

Where you use an online conveyancer they will undertake all the tasks your West Sussex conveyancer would cover.