I am the registered owner of a freehold property in Wolverton yet invoiced for rent, why is this and what is this?

It is rare for properties in Wolverton and has limited impact for conveyancing in Wolverton 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.

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.

I am looking for a flat up to £195,000 and found one round the corner in Wolverton I like with amenity areas and railway links in the vicinity, the downside is that it's only got 61 years on the lease. I can't really find anything else in Wolverton for this price, so just wondered if I would be making a mistake acquiring a short lease?

If you need a mortgage that many years may be problematic. Discount the price by the amount the lease extension will cost if it has not already been discounted. If the existing owner has owned the premises for at least 2 years you can request that they commence the lease extension formalities and pass it to you. An additional ninety years can be extended on to the existing lease term with a zero ground rent applied. You should consult your conveyancing lawyer about this.

In my capacity as executor for the estate of my grandmother I am selling a residence in Neath but I am based in Wolverton. My lawyer (based 235 miles from meneeds me to execute a statutory declaration ahead of completion. Can you recommend a conveyancing lawyer in Wolverton to witness this legal document for me?

Technically speaking you are unlikely to be required to have the documents witnessed by a conveyancing solicitor. Normally or notary public or qualified solicitor will do regardless of whether they are Wolverton based

What are your top tips when it comes to appointing a Wolverton conveyancing firm to carry out our lease extension conveyancing?

When appointing a property lawyer for lease extension works (regardless if they are a Wolverton conveyancing practice) it is most important that they be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of work. We suggest that you talk with several firms including non Wolverton conveyancing practices before you instructing a firm. Where the conveyancing practice is ALEP accredited then that’s a bonus. The following questions could be helpful:

If the firm is not ALEP accredited then what is the reason? Can they put you in touch with clients in Wolverton who can give a testimonial?

Wolverton Leasehold Conveyancing - A selection of Queries before buying

Who are the managing agents? In the main the outlay for major works are not incorporated into the maintenance charges, albeit that there some managing agents in Wolverton require leasehold owners to contribute towards a reserve fund created for the specific purpose of establishing a fund for major repairs or maintenance. This question is useful as a) areas can cause problems in the building as the communal areas may begin to deteriorate where services are not paid for b) if the tenants have an issue with the managing agents you will want to know about it

We are hoping to purchase a repression property in Wolverton and the mortgagee in possession demand completion within a week. Do lawyers complete in this timeframe? Would it be better to select a high street Wolverton firm or an online organisation that advertises to offer speedy conveyancing?

Attend your Wolverton high street. Go in to two or three firms and request to talk to a conveyancing solicitor for an estimate. Discuss your requirements and get assurances on time frames. Select the firm that appears most efficient. Be sure to choose a solicitor on the panel of solicitors approved by your bank.