I purchased a freehold property in Lake District yet invoiced for rent, why is this and what is this?
It is rare for properties in Lake District and has limited impact for conveyancing in Lake District 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 creation of new rentcharges post 1977.
Previous rentcharges can now be extinguished by making a one off payment under the Act. Any rentcharges that are still in existence in 2037 will be dispensed with completely.
In reading consumer advice sites for an online lawyer in Lake District, many post that I should use a CQS accredited lawyer. What is CQS?
The Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) provides a kitemark for residential conveyancing practices issued by the Law Society. Membership achievement establishes a level of credibility for member firms with stakeholders (regulators, lenders, insurers and consumers) based upon: * the integrity of the senior responsible officer and other key conveyancing staff * the firm's adherence to good practice management standards * compliance with best practice conveyancing processes through the scheme protocol Membership includes numerous firms who perform conveyancing in Lake District.
My stepmother advised me that in purchasing a property in Lake District there could be various restrictions prohibiting external alterations to a property. Is this right?
We are aware of a number of properties in Lake District which have some sort of restriction or requirement of consent to perform external alterations. Part of the conveyancing in Lake District should determine what restrictions are applicable and advising you as part of a ROT that should be sent to you.
Last month we had a mortgage agreed in principle with Bank of Ireland. Lake District conveyancing practitioners are instructed. How long does it take for Bank of Ireland to issue the offer to the conveyancer?
There is no definitive answer here. Have Bank of Ireland completed the survey? Have you advised Bank of Ireland as to your lawyers' details and checked that your lawyers are on the Bank of Ireland conveyancing panel? It is not unusual for a mortgage offer to take a month to come through.
I've read lots of mortgage guides, I note that they all recommend that you should get your house surveyed prior to buying it. When I asked my local Lake District solicitor - who is on the Aldermore conveyancing panel - on this she said they don't do this and I need to contract an independent surveyor. Is that normal?
Aldermore will need an independent valuation of the property. Your lawyer will not arrange this. Usually Aldermore will appoint their own surveyor to do this, and you will have to pay for it. Remember that this is a valuation for mortgage purposes and not a survey. Your lawyer will not organise the survey but they may be able to put you in touch with a local one that they recommend. RICS offers a find a surveyor service (just google it) where you can search for a qualified surveyor by your Lake District postcode. As you are getting a mortgage with Aldermore, you could contact them to see if they have a list of approved surveyors in Lake District.
Due to the encouragement of my in-laws I had a survey completed on a house in Lake District ahead of retaining solicitors. I have been informed that there is a flying freehold element to the property. My surveyor has said that some banks will not issue a mortgage on a flying freehold home.
It varies from the lender to lender. Lloyds has different requirements for example to Nationwide. If you call us we can investigate further with the relevant lender. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can help as they are accustomed to dealing with flying freeholds in Lake District. Conveyancing can be more complicated and therefore you should check with your conveyancing solicitor in Lake District to see if the conveyancing costs will increase in light of this.
Can I establish who owns a house in Lake District?
As long as the property is recorded at HM Land Registry, and you have enough information of the address of the premises, you should be able to see details from the HM Land Registry of the recorded proprietor for a fee.