I purchased a freehold house in Hook yet pay rent, why is this and what is this?

It’s unusual for properties in Hook and has limited impact for conveyancing in Hook 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 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 after 2037 will be extinguished.

Me and my brother purchased a renovated Georgian house in Hook. Conveyancing practitioner acted for me and Aldermore. I happened to do a free search for it on the Land Registry database and there are a couple of entries: the first freehold, the second leasehold under the exact same address. I thought I was buying a freehold how can I check?

You need to read the Freehold register you have again and check the Charges Register for mention of a lease. The best way to be sure that you are also the registered proprietor of the leasehold and freehold title as well is to check (£3). It is not completely unheard of in Hook and other locations in the country and poses no real issues for owners other than when they buy they have to account for both freehold and leasehold interests when dealing with mortgage companies. You can also question the situation with the conveyancing practitioner who carried out the work.

How does conveyancing in Hook differ for newly converted properties?

Most buyers of new build premises in Hook come to us having been asked by the housebuilder to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the house is constructed. This is because builders in Hook typically acquire the site, plan the estate and want to get the plots sold off as they are building the properties. Buyers, therefore, will have to exchange contracts without actually seeing the house they are buying. To reduce the chances of losing the property, buyers should instruct conveyancers as soon as the property is reserved and mortgage applications should be submitted quickly. Due to the fact that it could be several months and even years between exchange of contracts and completion, the mortgage offer may need to be extended. It would be wise to use a lawyer who specialises in new build conveyancing especially if they are accustomed to new build conveyancing in Hook or who has acted in the same development.

I've recently found out that there is a flying freehold element on a property I put an offer in two weeks back in what should have been a simple, no chain conveyancing. Hook is the location of the property. Is there any advice you can impart?

Flying freeholds in Hook are rare but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even where you use a solicitor outside Hook you must be sure that your lawyer goes through the deeds diligently. Your mortgage company may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Hook may determine that this is not enough and that the deeds be re-written to give you the most up to date legal protection. If so, the next door neighbour also had to sign up to the revised deeds.It is possible that your lender will not accept the situation so the sooner you find out the better. You should also check with your insurance broker as to whether they will insure a flying freehold residence.

My business partner and I are intending to take over a lease of an office on a shopping parade. Can you recommend lawyers offering no-move-no fees for commercial conveyancing in Hook for less than 2k?

We are happy to recommend firms who have an in-depth of experience of commercial conveyancing in Hook, including the sale and acquisition of businesses as well as simply premises. If you are intending to purchase or dispose of a shop, pub, restaurant, office, retail unit or a whole business we will put you in touch with the right firm. As for the charges these will vary based on the structure and terms of the deal. Let us have your contact information or telephone so as to enable us to supply you with a detailed commercial conveyancing quote.