I own a freehold premises in Chester yet charged rent, why is this and what is this?

It’s unusual for properties in Chester and has limited impact for conveyancing in Chester 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 from 1977 onwards.

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

Will my conveyancing lawyers need to check that the building insurance for my purchase of a house in Chester. My lender is Platform

Platform have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook. As of 27/2/2025, the requirements read as follows :

Should commercial conveyancing searches reveal impending roadworks that may affect a commercial site in Chester?

Its becoming the norm that commercial conveyancing solicitors in Chester will perform a SiteSolutions Highways report as it reduces the time that conveyancers expend in researching accurate data on highways that impact buildings and development assets in Chester. The report sets out definitive data on the adoption status of roads, footpaths and verges, as well as the implication of traffic schemes and the rights of way surrounding a commercial development sites in Chester.

For every commercial conveyancing transaction in Chester it is crucial to investigate the adoption status of roads surrounding a site. Failure to identify developments where adoption procedures have not been addressed adequately could result in delays to Chester commercial conveyancing deals as well as present a risk to future intentions for the site. These searches are not conducted for domestic conveyancing in Chester.

I am downsizing from my house. My previous conveyancers has retired. I am in need of a recommendation of a conveyancing firm. Im based in Chester if that affects matters.

You should use our search tool to help you choose a solicitor for your conveyancing in Chester. We have connected thousands of home buyers and sellers with regulated solicitors to ensure that the legalities of their house move goes with a minimum of fuss.

I am hoping to complete next month on a basement flat in Chester. Conveyancing solicitors have said that they are sending me a report within the next couple of days. What should I be looking out for?

Your report on title for your leasehold conveyancing in Chester should include some of the following:

Changes to the premises Specifying your rights in relation to common areas in the block.For instance, does the lease permit a right of way over a path or staircase? Who has the liability to repair and maintain the building. It is important that you know which party is liable for the repair and maintenance of every part of the building You need to be advised what constitutes a Nuisance in the lease What options are available to the landlord where you are in breach of your lease terms?

I acquired a 1 bedroom flat in Chester, conveyancing having been completed 8 years ago. Can you please calculate a probable premium for a statutory lease extension? Similar flats in Chester with an extended lease are worth £260,000. The ground rent is £45 per annum. The lease comes to an end on 21st October 2099

With 74 years left to run the likely cost is going to span between £8,600 and £9,800 plus costs.

The suggested premium range above a general guide to costs for extending a lease, but we are not able to provide the actual costs in the absence of comprehensive due diligence. You should not use this information in tribunal or court proceedings. There are no doubt additional issues that need to be taken into account and you obviously want to be as accurate as possible in your negotiations. You should not take any other action based on this information before getting professional advice.