I purchased a freehold premises in South London but nevertheless invoiced for rent, why is this and what is this?

It’s unusual for properties in South London and has limited impact for conveyancing in South London 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 many centuries, but the Rent Charge Act 1977 barred the establishment of fresh rentcharges from 1977 onwards.

Old rentcharges can now be redeemed by making a lump sum payment under the Act. Any rentcharges that are still in existence after 2037 is to be dispensed with completely.

A relative informed me that in purchasing a property in South London there may be a number of restrictions prohibiting external alterations to the property. Is this right?

There are a number of properties in South London which have some sort of restriction or requirement of consent to perform external variations. Part of the conveyancing in South London should determine what restrictions are applicable and advising you as part of a ROT that should be sent to you.

Are all South London Conveyancing Quality Solicitors on the Kent Reliance conveyancing panel?

It is true that some banks and building societies now use the accreditation scheme as the kick off point for Panel approval such as HSBC and Santander. The Law Society’s CQS membership however is no guarantee to lender panel acceptance. Nevertheless,the CML have indicated that it is likely to become a pre-requisite for solicitor practices wishing to join their panels.

I have decided to exercise my right to buy my property in South London off the council. I have a mortgage offer with Lloyds. Conveyancing is not something I have any knowledge of. Can I proceed without a solicitor easily? I think we can but we keep being told I should use one. Any advice?

It is not advisable to proceed with a house purchase without a solicitor. The council's solicitor are not acting for you. You need a solicitor for a number reasons. One of which is to verify what plans the Council have for repairs and refurbishment for the next five years. Many leaseholders have been stung for contributions of thousands of pounds. In any event, if you are getting a mortgage with Lloyds, you will need to appoint a solicitor on the Lloyds conveyancing panel.

I require quick conveyancing in South London as I am faced with pressure to sign on the dotted line in less than 3 weeks. A home loan is not required. Can I decline from having conveyancing searches to save money and time?

If.Given you are are a mortgage free purchaser you have the choice not to do searches although no lawyer would advise that you don't. Drawing on our experience of conveyancing in South London the following are instances of what can show up and adversely impact future saleability: Refused Planning Applications, Outstanding Charges, Outstanding Grants, Road Schemes,...

I am four weeks into a freehold purchase having been referred to solicitors by the selling agent to carry out the conveyancing in South London. I am am extremely frustrated with the level of service. Can you help me find new lawyers?

They would need to be very bad to suggest changing them. Has the mortgage offer been issued? In the event that it has you must inform them of the new contact details and ensure the mortgage documents are re-issued. Your solicitor ideally needs to be on the lenders panel to avoid added charges and complications. That should be your starting point. Our search tool will help you find a bank approved solicitor for your home move in South London

At last I have had an offer on an maisonette in South London agreed to, the seller does however have an associated purchase. The sellers have offered on a property, although it’s not been accepted yet, and are looking at other apartments booked. I have instructed a nearby conveyancing solicitor in South London. What should be my next step? At what point do I apply for the mortgage with Co-operative?

It is normal to have anxieties where there is an associated chain as you are unlikely to want to incur costs prematurely (home loan application is in the region of one thousand pounds, then valuation, South London conveyancing search charges, etc). The first thing to do is check that your lawyer is on the Co-operative conveyancing panel. As to the subsequent phase this very much dictated by the specifics of your case, desire for the property and on the state of the market. In a rising market some buyers would apply for the mortgage with Co-operative and pay for the valuation and only if it comes back ok would they pay their conveyancing practitioner to proceed with searches.