Please help. My South Yorkshire conveyancer is advising me that he is legally obliged toorder South Yorkshire conveyancing searches becausethe firm are on the Virgin Moneyapproved lawyer panel. These South Yorkshire checks cost a lot of money can this be avoided?

You have limited options available to you. Given that you are taking out a loan with a mortgage company your property lawyer has to comply with their conditions as set out in their version of the CML Conveyancing Handbook. Your property lawyer would have previously signed the Terms and Conditions of your lender’s conveyancing panel appointment which obliges them to comply with the CML Handbook provisions . Even if you were a cash buyer you would be ill advised not to carry out South Yorkshire conveyancing searches.

I purchased a freehold residence in South Yorkshire yet charged rent, why is this and what is this?

It is rare for properties in South Yorkshire and has limited impact for conveyancing in South Yorkshire 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 establishment of fresh rentcharges post 1977.

Previous rentcharges can now be redeemed by making a one off payment under the Act. Any rentcharges that are still in existence after 2037 will be dispensed with completely.

I am told that my conveyancing solicitors will need to check that the building insurance for my purchase of a house in South Yorkshire. My lender is Accord Mortgages

Accord Mortgages have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook. As of 22/11/2024, the requirements read as follows :

I need to retain a conveyancing solicitor for freehold conveyancing in South Yorkshire. I happened to land on a site which looks to be the ideal solution If it is possible to get all the legals done via phone that would be ideal. Should I be concerned? What should out be looking out for?

As usual with these online conveyancers you need to read ALL the small print - did you notice the extra charge for dealing with the mortgage?

Having checked my lease I have discovered that there are only 62 years unexpired on my flat in South Yorkshire. I am keen to get lease extension but my landlord is can not be found. What options are available to me?

On the basis that you meet the appropriate requirements, under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 you can submit an application to the County Court for an order to dispense with the service of the initial notice. This will mean that your lease can be lengthened by the magistrate. You will be obliged to demonstrate that you or your lawyers have made all reasonable attempts to track down the freeholder. On the whole an enquiry agent should be useful to conduct investigations and to produce an expert document which can be accepted by the court as proof that the freeholder is indeed missing. It is wise to seek advice from a solicitor both on investigating the landlord’s disappearance and the vesting order request to the County Court overseeing South Yorkshire.

I acquired a split level flat in South Yorkshire, conveyancing formalities finalised half a dozen years ago. Can you give me give me an indication of the likely cost of a lease extension? Similar properties in South Yorkshire with an extended lease are worth £211,000. The average or mid-range amount of ground rent is £50 per annum. The lease ceases on 21st October 2092

With 68 years remaining on your lease we estimate the price of your lease extension to be between £9,500 and £11,000 plus costs.

The suggested premium range above a general guide to costs for extending a lease, but we cannot give you a more accurate figure in the absence of comprehensive due diligence. Do not use the figures in tribunal or court proceedings. There are no doubt other concerns that need to be considered and you obviously want to be as accurate as possible in your negotiations. Neither should you move forward placing reliance on this information without first seeking the advice of a professional.