I own a freehold premises in Bedlington yet pay rent, why is this and what is this?

It’s unusual for properties in Bedlington and has limited impact for conveyancing in Bedlington 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 establishment of fresh 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 will be dispensed with completely.

Just had an offer accepted on a new build flat in Bedlington. Conveyancing is daunting at the best of times but I have never purchased a new build flat before. What sort of enquires would be asked in new build legal work.

Here is a sample of a selection of leasehold new build questions that you can expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Bedlington

Investor purchasers must be able to freely grant unsecured tenancies at market rents without requiring any consents. Where there is an Undertaking being granted there is the risk of forfeiture of the Headlease subject to relief if one or more of the Underlessees are willing to accept the original Head Lessee’s obligations as otherwise relief will be denied to the Underlessees. The only alternatives are the Head Lessor agreeing not to forfeit the Headlease or the Head Lessee guaranteeing to the Underlessees that it will not be in breach of the Headlease. Please provide evidence that the form of Lease proposed has been approved by the Land Registry. Will the freehold then be transferred for a nominal consideration (not exceeding £100) to the Management Company?

Due to the input of my in-laws I had a survey completed on a house in Bedlington in advance of retaining lawyers. I have been advised that there is a flying freehold element to the property. The surveyor advised that some lenders will not grant a mortgage on this type of house.

It varies from the lender to lender. Bank of Scotland has different instructions for example to Halifax. Should you wish to telephone us we can check via the appropriate lender. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can assist as they are accustomed to dealing with flying freeholds in Bedlington. Conveyancing can be more complicated and therefore you should check with your conveyancing solicitor in Bedlington to see if the conveyancing costs will increase in light of this.

How easy is it to use your search app to locate a conveyancing practitioner in Bedlington on the approved list for my lender?

1st choose a bank such as Accord Mortgages Ltd, Norwich and Peterborough Building Society or TSB then choose your preferred area e.g. Bedlington. Conveyancing practices in Bedlington and beyond should be listed.

My step-father purchased his flat in Bedlington 9 years ago. He has since got married, divorced and is now remarried. He will be marketing the flat in a few weeks. I think he will simply be need to supply copies of the marriage certificates to the property lawyer however he is worried it will hold up the conveyancing. Should he instruct a solicitor to update the Land Registry information for the house?

It is not absolutely necessary to bring up to date the register providing you have the proof required to demonstrate how the name change resulted.

The purchaser’s lawyer will examine the land registry information and request evidence to prove the change of name for example marriage documentation.