We are about to sign contracts for a garden flat in Almondsbury. We have hit a snag. Our loan offer with runs out on but the owners are suggesting a completion date of . Is it possible to prolong the mortgage offer?

The best person to address this concern is your solicitors who is in a position to calculate whether he or she is should be discussing with the lender, vendor’s representatives, property agents or indeed all three based on the circumstances your conveyancing as of today.

I purchased a freehold house in Almondsbury but still invoiced for rent, why is this and what is this?

It is rare for properties in Almondsbury and has limited impact for conveyancing in Almondsbury 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 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 after 2037 will be dispensed with completely.

The deeds to my home are lost. The conveyancers who handled the conveyancing in Almondsbury years ago have long since closed. What do I do?

You no longer need to have the physical original deeds to evidence that you are the owner of your registered land or premises, given that the Land Registry hold details of all registered land or property electronically.

My brother has recommend that I use his conveyancing solicitors in Almondsbury. Should I use them?

There are no two ways about it it’s preferable to select a conveyancing practitioner is to have referrals from friends or family who have actually experience in using the firm that you are considering.

I am in the process of buying my 1st property in Almondsbury. Conveyancing practitioner has been chosen. The financial consultant suggested that a survey is not necessary as the property is just fifteen years old.

As the bare minimum you need a Home Buyer's Report. Given the residence is more than ten years old the property will not benefit from a warranty, so you don't want to take a risk. Where a property of this age shows no signs of problems a Home Buyer's report could be enough. The report should highlight any obvious problems and recommend further investigation where relevant. If there are any signs of material issues get a full Building Survey from the beginning.