Recently been in touch with my conveyancing solicitor in Mere who conducted the legals 18 months ago requesting a conveyancing costs illustration based on an identical type of home move (a leasehold property and a freehold property) of almost identical values with a mortgage from Halifax. It looks as though am now being quoted double. Should I hunt for an alternative conveyancer?
The quote is slightly on the high side. If you you were to look around you may be able to get the conveyancing a bit cheaper by perhaps a hundred pounds. That being said, assuming were content with the legal work the firm offered you mightlive to rue opting for an an unknown solicitor. Remember to ensure that the conveyancer can act for Halifax. Do make use of our search tool to select a Mere conveyancing firm on the Halifax approved list of lawyers, which can often include conveyancing solicitors in Mere.
My Mere solicitor has uncovered a difference when comparing the assumptions in the home valuation report and what is revealed within the title deeds. My lawyer informs me that he is duty bound to ensure that the lender is OK with this discrepancy and is still content to lend. Is my conveyancer’s approach correct?
Your property lawyer must comply with the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook conditions which do require that your lawyer disclose any incorrect assumptions in the lender’s valuation report and the legal papers. Should you refuse to allow your lawyer to make the appropriate notification then your lawyer will have no choice but to discontinue acting for both parties.
I am the registered owner of a freehold property in Mere but nevertheless pay rent, why is this and what is this?
It’s unusual for properties in Mere and has limited impact for conveyancing in Mere 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 fresh rentcharges post 1977.
Previous rentcharges can now be extinguished by making a one off payment under the Act. Any rentcharges that are still in existence in 2037 is to be dispensed with completely.
About to place a bid on a leasehold property in Mere. The estate agents assure me that it is normal for flats in Mere to have less than 75 years left on the lease. I am obtaining a loan with Virgin. Will the property be mortgageable given that the lease has 69 years left.
Most leasehold conveyancing experts should be able to deal with a lease extension. if you are securing a mortgage then your lender may insist that the lease be extended before competition. Virgin have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook in relation to minimum unexpired lease terms. As of 30/4/2025 the requirements read as follows :
Given that I am about to spend £400,000 on a terraced house in Mere I would like to have a conversation with the solicitor about mytransaction prior to giving the go ahead to the firm. Can this be arranged?
We could not agree more - we would be happy to talk to you we do not take any clients on without you speaking to the lawyer due to be conducting your property ownership legalities in Mere.There is no ‘factory style conveyancing’ - each client is an important person, not a matter number. The law firms that we put you in touch with believe that the fees you are calculated and presented to you for residential conveyancing in Mere should be the amount on the final invoice that you are charged.
At what stage do I cover the costs of stamp duty payable for my Mere flat purchase?
The property lawyer should fill out a Land Transaction Return Form on your behalf as part of your Mere conveyancing transaction for you to sign. On completion your conveyancer will submit your Land Transaction application to the Inland Revenue and - assuming they have the funds - settle any Stamp Duty payable on your behalf.