We are buying a 2 bedroom flat in Catford with a mortgage. We like our Catford lawyer, but the mortgage company says she’s not on their "panel". It appears that we have little option but to use one of the mortgage company panel firms or retain our Catford solicitor and pay for one of their panel firms to represent them. This feels very unfair; are we not able to demand that the mortgage company use our Catford solicitor ?
No, not really. The mortgage offered to you is subject to its terms and conditions, one of which will be that lawyers will on the bank’s conveyancing panel. Until recently, most lenders had large numbers of law firms on their panels: a borrower could choose one for themselves, as long as it was on the lender's panel. The lender would then simply instruct the borrower's lawyers to act for the lender, too. You can use your lender's panel lawyers or you could borrow from another lender which does not restrict your choice. Another option that might be available is for your Catford conveyancing solicitor to apply to be on the conveyancing panel.
I own a freehold premises in Catford but nevertheless pay rent, why is this and what is this?
It’s unusual for properties in Catford and has limited impact for conveyancing in Catford 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 hundreds of years, but the Rent Charge Act 1977 barred the generation of new rentcharges from 1977 onwards.
Old rentcharges can now be redeemed by making a one off payment under the Act. Any rentcharges that are still in existence in 2037 is to be dispensed with completely.
I am purchasing a new build house in Catford with a loan from Barnsley Building Society. The developers would not move on the amount so I negotiated £7000 of fixtures and fittings instead. The house builders rep told me not disclose to my lawyer about this deal as it may put at risk my loan with the bank. Should I keep quiet?.
All lenders require a Disclosure of Incentives Form from the builder of any new build, converted or renovated property, It is available online from the Lenders’ Handbook page on the CML website. CML form is completed and handed to the lender's surveyor when the inspection is done.
Lenders have different policies on incentives. Some accept none at all, cash or physical, while others will accept cash incentives up to 5%.
Hard to understand why the representative of a builder would be suggesting you withold information from a solicitor when all this will be clearly visible on forms the builder has to supply to its solicitor, the buyer's solicitor and the surveyor.
Yesterday I discovered that there is a flying freehold element on a property I have offered on last month in what was supposed to be a straight forward, chain free conveyancing. Catford is where the house is located. Can you offer any guidance?
Flying freeholds in Catford are rare but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even though you don't necessarily need a conveyancing solicitor in Catford 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 Catford may ascertain 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.
Having checked my lease I have discovered that there are only Sixty One years left on my lease in Catford. I need to extend my lease but my freeholder is missing. What options are available to me?
If you meet the appropriate requirements, under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 you can submit an application to the County Court for for permission to dispense with the service of the initial notice. This will mean that your lease can be granted an extra 90 years by the magistrate. However, you will be required to prove that you or your lawyers have used your best endeavours to find the freeholder. For most situations a specialist should be helpful to carry out a search and prepare a report to be accepted by the court as proof that the freeholder can not be located. It is wise to seek advice from a property lawyer both on proving the landlord’s absence and the application to the County Court covering Catford.
I have attempted and failed to negotiate with my landlord to extend my lease without any joy. Can one apply to the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal? Can you recommend a Catford conveyancing firm to assist?
if there is a absentee landlord or if there is disagreement about what the lease extension should cost, under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 it is possible to make an application to the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal to make a decision on the amount due.
An example of a Freehold Enfranchisement case for a Catford flat is 44 Elmer Road in January 2013. The Tribunal dacied that amount to be paid by the Leaseholders for the Landlords freehold reversion was £12,951 as at the valuation date (20" September 2012).This matter was referred back to the Bromley County Court to deal with costs, fees and any other outstanding matters. This case affected 2 flats. The unexpired lease term was 74.25 years.
What type of premises does your Catford conveyancing estimates apply to?
The quotes supplied are only applicable to standard domestic homes in England & Wales. Where you have any different needs for example industrial or agricultural land or commercial conveyancing in Catford you should telephone us to address your requirements .
