Please help. My Overton solicitor is advising me that she is duty bound toconduct Overton conveyancing searches asthe firm are on the Santanderconveyancing panel. Do I not have any options here?

Unfortunately both you and your lawyer have little choice here. Given that you are taking out a loan with a lender your lawyer has to comply with their conditions as set out in their version of the CML Conveyancing Handbook. Your solicitor would have previously signed the Terms and Conditions of your lender’s conveyancing panel appointment which obliges them to follow the CML Handbook requirements . Even if you were a cash buyer you would be ill advised not to carry out Overton conveyancing searches.

I am the registered owner of a freehold house in Overton yet charged rent, why is this and what is this?

It is rare for properties in Overton and has limited impact for conveyancing in Overton 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 redeemed by making a one off payment under the Act. Any rentcharges that are still in existence in 2037 is to be dispensed with completely.

My lender has recommended solicitors on their panel based in Overton but I would rather instruct a conveyancing lawyer in Overton or nearer to where I live. Are you able to assist?

The minority of Overton conveyancing firms are on all banks conveyancing panel. Use our find an approved solicitor tool to choose a Overton conveyancing conveyancer on the on the mortgage company panel.

Do you have any advice for leasehold conveyancing in Overton with the purpose of expediting the sale process?

• Much of the delay in leasehold conveyancing in Overton can be avoided if you appoint lawyers the minute your agents start advertising the property and ask them to collate the leasehold information needed by the buyers’ lawyers.
If you are supposed to have a share in the Management Company, you should ensure that you have the original share document. Obtaining a re-issued share certificate can be a time consuming process and frustrates many a Overton conveyancing deal. Where a reissued share certificate is necessary, you should approach the company officers or managing agents (if applicable) for this at the earliest opportunity. Many freeholders or Management Companies in Overton charge for providing management packs for a leasehold premises. You or your lawyers should discover the actual amount of the charges. The management pack can be applied for as soon as you have a buyer, thus accelerating the process. The typical amount of time it takes to obtain the necessary information is three weeks. It is the most common cause of frustration in leasehold conveyancing in Overton. You believe that you know the number of years remaining on your lease but you should double-check by asking your solicitors. A purchaser's conveyancer will be unlikely to recommend their client to to exchange contracts if the lease term is less than 80 years. It is therefore important at an early stage that you consider whether the lease for your property needs extending. If it does, contact your solicitors before you put your premises on the market for sale. If you have carried out any alterations to the residence would they have required Landlord’s approval? Have you, for example installed wooden flooring? Most leases in Overton state that internal structural alterations or addition of wooden flooring calls for a licence issued by the Landlord approving such works. Where you fail to have the approvals in place you should not contact the landlord without checking with your conveyancer in advance.

Leasehold Conveyancing in Overton - Sample of Questions you should ask Prior to buying

What is the name of the managing agents? On the whole the outlay for major works tend not to be built into the maintenance charges, albeit that there some managing agents in Overton obliged leasehold owners to pay into a reserve fund and this is used to offset against larger works. How much is the ground rent and service charge?

My wife and I today become aware that one of the directors of the law firm handling the purchase conveyancing in Overton is is the sister of the owners that we are purchasing from. Is this acceptable?

As long as there is no conflict of interest this should be fine. If you are obtaining a home loan then the bank may have a say as many banks have specific requirements concerning this. For example for Barclays plc as of 21/1/2025, the requirements read as follows :