I am hoping to complete my purchase in Canary Wharf next Monday. My lawyer now wants me to supply her with proof of content and building insurance for the property as as she informs me that she is duty bound to validate that it is in order for the bank. What does the insurance need to cover?

Any lawyer on acting for banks would need to check that the following risks are covered fire; lightning; aircraft; explosion; earthquake; storm; flood; escape of water or oil; riot; malicious damage; theft or attempted theft; falling trees and branches and aerials; subsidence; heave;landslip;collision;accidental damage to underground services;professional fees, demolition and site clearance costs; and public liability to anyone else. There are some other issues such as the level of excess that are set out in a lender’s UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook requirements. These obligations are not unique to conveyancing in Canary Wharf.

Last month we had a mortgage agreed in principle with Kent Reliance. Canary Wharf conveyancing lawyers have been chosen. How long does it take for Kent Reliance to issue the offer to the conveyancing practitioner?

Some lenders take longer than others. Have Kent Reliance completed the survey? Have you advised Kent Reliance as to your lawyers' details and checked that your lawyers are on the Kent Reliance conveyancing panel? Sometimes it can take as long as six weeks for a mortgage offer to be issued.

I am purchasing a property in Canary Wharf. An unusual aspect is that the roof has a solar panel. Solicitors conducting should look into this right? Will my lender Nottingham be concerned?

Given that your lender is Nottingham your lawyer must check the conveyancing instructions outlined in Part 2 of UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook for Nottingham. The Council of Mortgage Lenders’ Handbook stipulates minimum requirements for solar panel roof-space leases, and property lawyers are required to report to Nottingham where a lease fails to satisfy these conditions. The provisions relate to the installation of panels on properties in England and Wales and is not isolated to Canary Wharf.

We expect to receive a AIP from Yorkshire BS this week so we know how much we could potentially offer as otherwise we are dependent on web based calculators (which aren't taking into account credit checks etc). Do Yorkshire BS recommend any Canary Wharf solicitors on the Yorkshire BS conveyancing panel, or is it better to find our own lawyer?

You will need to appoint Canary Wharf solicitors independently although you'll need to choose one on the Yorkshire BS conveyancing panel. The solicitor represents both you and Yorkshire BS through the process.

What can a local search inform me about the house my wife and I purchasing in Canary Wharf?

Canary Wharf conveyancing often commences with the applying for local authority searches directly from your local Authority or through a personal search organisations for instance Xpress Legal The local search is essential in every Canary Wharf conveyancing purchase; that is if you wish to avoid any nasty surprises after you move into your property. The search should supply data on, amongst other things, details on planning applications relevant to the premises (whether granted or refused), building control history, any enforcement action, restrictions on permitted development, nearby road schemes, contaminated land and radon gas; in all a total of thirteen topic headings.

In what way can the Landlord & Tenant Act 1954 affect my business property in Canary Wharf and how can you help?

The 1954 Act affords security of tenure to business tenants, giving them the a statutory right to make a request to court for a renewal lease and continue in occupation at the end of the lease term. There are limited grounds that a landlord can refuse a lease renewal and the rules are complex. We are happy to direct you to commercial conveyancing firms who use the act for protection and handle your commercial conveyancing in Canary Wharf

What are your top tips when it comes to appointing a Canary Wharf conveyancing practice to carry out our lease extension conveyancing?

When appointing a conveyancer for your lease extension (regardless if they are a Canary Wharf conveyancing firm) it is imperative that he or she should be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of work. We recommend that you speak with several firms including non Canary Wharf conveyancing practices before you instructing a firm. Where the conveyancing practice is ALEP accredited then that’s a bonus. The following questions could be of use:

What volume of lease extensions have they completed in Canary Wharf in the last year? How familiar is the practice with lease extension legislation?

Following months of negotiations we are unable to agree with our landlord on how much the lease extension should cost for our flat in Canary Wharf. Does the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal have jurisdiction to calculate the appropriate figures?

if there is a absentee freeholder 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 LVT to make a decision on the premium.

An example of a Freehold Enfranchisement case for a Canary Wharf property is 12, 14 & 16 Hull Close in May 2010. the Tribunal determined that the premium payable for the acquisition of the freehold to the subject premises was the sum of £18,300 This case related to 3 flats. The unexpired lease term was 101.61 years.