I am not well enough to travel far from New Eltham. Can you please explain the reason why all New Eltham aren't automatically on all lender panels?

As inequitable as it may appear for banks to limit who can act for them, from the public’s or conveyancer’s perspective, the flip side is that mortgage companies are increasingly anxious and feel it essential to protect them against mortgage fraud. As a result of this concern lenders have restricted their panel of approved conveyancing lawyers to a size that they are happy to control.

I require conveyancing for a flat in a relatively new development (five years built) in New Eltham. The vast majority the flats are already occupied. Do I need carry out the neighbourhood searches as part of conveyancing in New Eltham?

A big part of the New Eltham conveyancing process is the conveyancing searches. There are a large number of companies delivering New Eltham conveyancing searches, as well straight from the local authority. These are generally termed personal search organisation and they produce, not surprisingly, personal searches. Nevertheless, all Local Authority Search conveyancing products have one thing in common - they must obtain their information from the local authoritative source.

I own a freehold premises in New Eltham yet invoiced for rent, why is this and what is this?

It is rare for properties in New Eltham and has limited impact for conveyancing in New Eltham 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 establishment of new rentcharges post 1977.

Previous 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.

Is it best to appoint a New Eltham conveyancing lawyer in close proximity to the house I am hoping to buy? I have an old university friend who can handle the legal work however they are based 400kilometers away.

The benefit of a local New Eltham conveyancing firm is that you can visit the firm to sign documents, hand in your ID and apply pressure on them if necessary. They will also have local knowledge which is a plus. However nothing is more important than finding someone that will pull out all the stops for you. If other friends have used your friend and they were content that must surpass using an unknown New Eltham conveyancing solicitor solely due to them being local.

I today plan to offer on a house that seems to be perfect, at a great figure which is making it all the more appealing. I have since discovered that the title is leasehold as opposed to freehold. I am assuming that there are particular concerns purchasing a house with a leasehold title in New Eltham. Conveyancing solicitors have are about to be appointed. Will my lawyers set out the risks of buying a leasehold house in New Eltham ?

The majority of houses in New Eltham are freehold and not leasehold. This is one of the situations where having a local conveyancer who is familiar with the area who can help the conveyancing process. We note that you are purchasing in New Eltham so you should seriously consider shopping around for a New Eltham conveyancing solicitor and check that they have experience in transacting on leasehold houses. As a matter of priority you will need to check the number of years remaining. Being a lessee you will not be entirely free to do whatever you want to the property. The lease comes with conditions such as requiring the freeholder’sconsent to conduct changes to the property. You may also be required to pay a service charge towards the upkeep of the communal areas where the house is part of an estate. Your conveyancer should report to you on the legal implications.

New Eltham Conveyancing for Leasehold Flats - Examples of Queries Prior to Purchasing

The best form of lease arrangement is a share of the freehold. In this situation the leaseholders enjoy control and notwithstanding that a managing agent is often employed if it is bigger than a house conversion, the managing agent retained by the leaseholders. Best to be warned whether changing the roof or some other major work is coming up to be shared amongst the leaseholders and could well materially increase the the maintenance charges or necessitate a one off payment.