I own a freehold property in Hermitage but still pay rent, why is this and what is this?

It’s unusual for properties in Hermitage and has limited impact for conveyancing in Hermitage 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 creation of fresh rentcharges post 1977.

Old rentcharges can now be extinguished by making a lump sum payment under the Act. Any rentcharges that are still in existence post 2037 is to be extinguished.

I am assisting my step-mother sell her property in Hermitage. Does the solicitor commission the energy assessment or should I organise this?

Following the abolition of HIPs, energy performance certificates remained a compulsory element of moving property. An energy performance certificate must be commissioned in advance of the property being placed on the market. This is not as aspect of the sale process that lawyers normally organise. Where you are instructing a Hermitage conveyancing solicitor they might be able to arrange EPC’s due to their relationships with reputable Hermitage assessors

Can you point me to a directory of Leeds Building Society panel conveyancers in Hermitage on the Council of Mortgage Lender’s Website?

Unfortunately not yet. There is no such directory service on the CML or Building Society Association sites. Very few banks make their panel listings open the public over the internet. If you are looking for a Hermitage conveyancer on the Leeds Building Society please use our tool.

I have decided to exercise my right to buy my property in Hermitage off the council. I have a mortgage agreed with Principality. Conveyancing is not something I have any knowledge of. Can I proceed without a solicitor easily? I think we can but we keep being told I should use one. Any advice?

It is not advisable to proceed with a house purchase without a solicitor. The council's solicitor are not acting for you. You need a solicitor for a number reasons. One of which is to verify what plans the Council have for repairs and refurbishment for the next five years. Many leaseholders have been stung for contributions of thousands of pounds. In any event, if you are getting a mortgage with Principality, you will need to appoint a solicitor on the Principality conveyancing panel.

I have been told that property searches are the primary reason for hinderance in Hermitage conveyancing transactions. Is this right?

The Council of Property Search Organisations (CoPSO) has noted the findings of a review by MoveWithUs that conveyancing searches do not figure within the most frequent causes of delays in the conveyancing process. Searches are not likely to feature in any delay in conveyancing in Hermitage.

I have todaybeen informed that Action Conveyancing have been shut down. They carried out my conveyancing in Hermitage for a purchase of a leasehold flat 12 months ago. How can I establish that my home is not still registered in the name of the former proprietor?

The quickest method to check if the premises is registered to you, you can carry out a search of the land registry (£3.00). You can either do this yourself or ask a law firm to do this for you. If you are not registered you can seek help from one of a number of Hermitage conveyancing specialists.

Is there an average legal costs for conveyancing in Hermitage?

The average cost in 2014 for conveyancing in Hermitage was £1,419 not including Land Tax and HMLR fees.