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

It’s unusual for properties in East Twickenham and has limited impact for conveyancing in East Twickenham 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 hundreds of years, but the Rent Charge Act 1977 barred the generation of new rentcharges post 1977.

Old rentcharges can now be extinguished by making a one off payment under the Act. Any rentcharges that are still in existence after 2037 is to be extinguished.

I am considering mortgaging my flat in East Twickenham, does my lawyer need to be on the Conveyancing panel?

There is nothing to stop you using your solicitor, but will insist on their interests being represented by a firm on their conveyancing panel. There is greater potential for delays and confusion with an additional lawyer added to the mix, and it will undoubtedly be more expensive too.

I have been told that property searches are the main cause of stalling in East Twickenham conveyancing transactions. Is there any truth in this?

The Council of Property Search Organisations (CoPSO) published conclusions of research by MoveWithUs that conveyancing searches do not figure within the top 10 causes of hindrances in the conveyancing process. Searches are unlikely to be the root cause of slowing down conveyancing in East Twickenham.

Just had an offer accepted on a new build flat in East Twickenham. Conveyancing is necessary evil at the best of times but I have never purchased a new build flat before. Can you give me some examples of some of the questions asked in new build conveyancing.

Here is a sample of a few leasehold new build enquiries that you should expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in East Twickenham

Has the Lease plan been approved by the Land Registry and if not when will they be lodged for this purpose? Investor purchasers must be able to freely grant unsecured tenancies at market rents without requiring any consents. Please confirm the Lease plans are surveyor prepared. The Vendor must covenant to keep unsold units in good repair until long leases are granted therefore.

Given that I am about to part with over three hundred thousand on a house in East Twickenham I wish to have a conversation with the lawyer about myhouse move prior to appointing the firm. Can this be arranged?

This is something that we recommend - we would be happy to talk to you we do not take any clients on without you speaking to the lawyer due to be doing your property ownership legalities in East Twickenham.There is no ‘factory style conveyancing’ - every client is an important individual, not a case reference. The practices that we put you in touch with believe that the fees you are provided with for your conveyancing in East Twickenham should be the amount on the final invoice that you are charged.