I own a freehold property in Maze Hill yet charged rent, why is this and what is this?

It is rare for properties in Maze Hill and has limited impact for conveyancing in Maze Hill 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 creation of fresh rentcharges from 1977 onwards.

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

We are buying a terrace house in Maze Hill. Our aim is to an extension at the rear at the property.Will legal conveyancing on the property include enquiries to determine if these alterations are allowed?

Your solicitor will review the registered title as conveyancing in Maze Hill can on occasion reveal restrictions in the title documents which prohibit categories of alterations or require the consent of another owner. Many works call for local authority planning consent and approval in accordance building regulations. Many locations are designated conservation areas and special planning restrictions apply which frequently prevent or affect extensions. You should check these issues with a surveyor before you commit yourself to a purchase.

Yesterday I discovered that there is a flying freehold element on a property I have offered on a fortnight ago in what should have been a simple, no chain conveyancing. Maze Hill is the location of the property. Can you shed any light on this issue?

Flying freeholds in Maze Hill are rare but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even though you don't necessarily need a conveyancing solicitor in Maze Hill you would need to get your solicitor to go through the deeds very carefully. Your mortgage company may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Maze Hill may decide 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 property.