I am getting a mortgage with Halifax. I hope to employ the services of a Licensed Conveyancer in Staines. Does the Halifax Solicitor panel include Licensed Conveyancers?

The Halifax approved solicitor list is, like many other lenders, associated to the Council or Mortgage Lenders or BSA, open to Licensed Conveyancers regulated by the Council of Licensed Conveyancers.

My wife and I have just bought a house in Staines. We have noticed several problems with the house which we consider were overlooked in the conveyancing searches. Is there anything we can do? Can you clarify the nature of searches that needed to have been conducted as part of conveyancing in Staines?

It is not clear from the question as what problems have arisen and if they are unique to conveyancing in Staines. Conveyancing searches and investigations initiated as part of the buying process are designed to help avoid problems. As part of the legal transfer of property, a property owner answers a questionnaire referred to as a Seller’s Property Information Form. If the information ends up being inaccurate, then you may have a claim against the seller for any losses that you have suffered. The survey should have identified any problems with the structure of the property. Assuming a detailed survey was carried out and the issues were not identified, you may have a claim against the surveyor. However, if you did not have a full survey, you may be responsible for fixing any defects that have now been noted. We would always encourage buyers to take every possible step to ensure they are completely aware of the condition of a property before purchase regardless of whether they are buying in Staines.

I purchased a freehold residence in Staines yet invoiced for rent, why is this and what is this?

It’s unusual for properties in Staines and has limited impact for conveyancing in Staines 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 many centuries, but the Rent Charge Act 1977 barred the establishment of fresh rentcharges from 1977 onwards.

Old rentcharges can now be redeemed by making a one off payment under the Act. Any rentcharges that are still in existence post 2037 is to be dispensed with completely.

What makes your site different to alternative online quote calculators for conveyancing in Staines?

At this site secure an accurate quote via a Solicitor or Licensed Conveyancer that appreciates the issues for your conveyancing in Staines. Unlike many estate agents and many comparison sites we do not charge firms a commission if you choose them for your home move in Staines

I am tempted by the attractive purchase price for a couple of maisonettes in Staines both have approximately fifty years remaining on the leases. Do I need to be concerned?

A lease is a right to use the property for a prescribed time frame. As a lease gets shorter the saleability of the lease reduces and it becomes more expensive to acquire a lease extension. This is why it is advisable to increase the term of the lease. More often than not it is difficult to sell a property with a short lease because mortgage lenders less inclined to grant a loan on such properties. Lease enfranchisement can be a difficult process. We advise that you get professional assistance from a solicitor and surveyor with experience in this field.

My wife and I have hit a brick wall in seeking a lease extension in Staines. Can the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal adjudicate on premiums?

Most definitely. We can put you in touch with a Staines conveyancing firm who can help.

An example of a Lease Extension matter before the tribunal for a Staines residence is 147 Redford Close in June 2012. The Tribunal determined the lease extension premium to be at £4,200 This case affected 1 flat. The unexpired term was 82.93 years.