I am the registered owner of a freehold residence in Cheltenham but still pay rent, why is this and what is this?
It is rare for properties in Cheltenham and has limited impact for conveyancing in Cheltenham 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 creation 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 dispensed with completely.
I am told that my conveyancing solicitors will need to check that the building insurance when buying a house in Cheltenham. My lender is Virgin
Virgin have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook. As of 10/6/2025, the requirements read as follows :
How does conveyancing in Cheltenham differ for newly converted properties?
Most buyers of new build premises in Cheltenham contact us having been asked by the housebuilder to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the residence is ready to move into. This is because builders in Cheltenham tend to acquire the land, 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 used to new build conveyancing in Cheltenham or who has acted in the same development.
How do I search for a Cheltenham solicitor on the HSBC Bank conveyancing panel? I have wheels and am prepared to travel upto 25miles to meet the conveyancer.
You can use the facility on this website. Please select a lender and your location and you will see a number of Cheltenham conveyancing lawyers located nearest you. We have detailed some Cheltenham conveyancing firms at the bottom of this page and you can call them to check if they are on the HSBC Bank panel
As co-executor for the will of my aunt I am disposing of a property in Cardiff but live in Cheltenham. My conveyancer (who is 300 miles from merequires that I execute a statutory declaration prior to completion. Can you recommend a conveyancing solicitor in Cheltenham to witness this legal document for me?
strictly speaking you are not likely to need to have the documents witnessed by a conveyancing solicitor. Normally any notary public or qualified solicitor will be fine regardless of whether they are Cheltenham based
I today plan to offer on a house that seems to be perfect, at a reasonable figure which is making it all the more appealing. I have since discovered that the title is leasehold rather than freehold. I am assuming that there are particular concerns buying a house with a leasehold title in Cheltenham. Conveyancing advisers have are soon to be instructed. Will they explain the issues?
The majority of houses in Cheltenham are freehold and not leasehold. In this scenario it’s worth having a local solicitor who is familiar with the area who can help the conveyancing process. it is apparent that you are buying in Cheltenham in which case you should be shopping around for a Cheltenham conveyancing practitioner and check that they have experience in dealing with leasehold houses. First you will need to check the unexpired lease term. Being a lessee you will not be at liberty to do whatever you want to the property. The lease comes with conditions for example requiring the landlord’spermission to carry out alterations. It may be necessary to pay a maintenance charge towards the maintenance of the communal areas where the house is part of an estate. Your solicitor should report to you on the legal implications.
Leasehold Conveyancing in Cheltenham - A selection of Queries before Purchasing
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Who takes responsibility for maintaining and repairing the building? It is important to be aware whether fixing the lift or some other significant cost is due shortly to be shared amongst the leasehold owners and will dramatically increase the the service costs or result in a one off invoice. How long is the Lease?