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

It is rare for properties in Mansfield and has limited impact for conveyancing in Mansfield 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 generation of new rentcharges from 1977 onwards.

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

What happens if my solicitor is expelled from the HSBC Conveyancing panel ahead of completing my conveyancing in Mansfield?

First, this is very unlikely to happen. In most cases even where a law firm is removed off of a panel the lender would allow the completion to go ahead as the lender would appreciate the difficulties that they would place you in if you have to instruct a new solicitor days before completion. In a worst case scenario where the lender insists that you instruct a new firm then it is possible for a very good lawyer to expedite the conveyancing albeit that you may pay a significant premium for this. The analogous situation is where a buyer instructs a lawyer, exchanges contracts and the law firm is shut down by a regulator such as the SRA. Again, in this situation you can find lawyers who can troubleshoot their way to bring the conveyancing to a satisfactory conclusion - albeit at a cost.

I am helping my sister sell her house in Mansfield. Will the conveyancing solicitor commission an EPC or it is for me to coordinate?

After the demise of HIPs, EPC’s was maintained a mandatory part of selling a house. An energy assessment should be to hand in advance of the property being placed on the market. This is not as aspect of the sale process that solicitors normally organise. Where you are using a Mansfield conveyancing solicitor they may be able to arrange EPC’s given their relationships with reputable local energy assessors

When it comes to mortgage companies such as UBS, do Mansfield property lawyers have to pay a yearly amount to be on the conveyancing panel?

We are unaware of any bank fees to register on their panel, although some do levy an administration fee to deal with the processing of the conveyancing panel submission.

Lloyds have agreed my mortgage in principle, my bid on a house in Mansfield has been accepted, now what?

The property agent will wish to know who your solicitors are (be sure the conveyancers are on the lender’s approved list). Call up Lloyds or the financial adviser and finalise any appropriate forms. Lloyds will instruct a valuer who will get in contact with the selling agent or vendor to schedule a time for the valuation to occur. Once carried out (assuming no problems) it takes about ten days for the mortgage offer to be issued. Lloyds will issue the offer to you and your property lawyers. The transaction will then take it’s course according the nature and complexity of the conveyancing in Mansfield.

Yesterday I discovered that there is a flying freehold issue on a house I have offered on two weeks back in what was supposed to be a straight forward, chain free conveyancing. Mansfield is the location of the property. Can you shed any light on this issue?

Flying freeholds in Mansfield are not the norm but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even though you don't necessarily need a conveyancing solicitor in Mansfield you would need to get your solicitor to go through the deeds thoroughly. Your bank may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Mansfield may ascertain that this is not enough and that the deeds be re-written to give you the most up to date legal protection. If so, the next door neighbour also had to sign up to the revised deeds.It is possible that your lender will not accept the situation so the sooner you find out the better. You should also check with your insurance broker as to whether they will insure a flying freehold property.

What are my options where I am unhappy with the solicitor who handled our conveyancing in Mansfield?

We live in an imperfect world, and unfortunately sometimes things do go wrong. That being said there is recourse if you were not happy with your conveyancing in Mansfield. This varies from trying to resolve matters directly with them, through to reporting a property lawyer to their governing body. If you remain dissatisfied you may consider getting in touch with the Legal Ombudsman.