All was ready to move into my new home in Cricklewood next Tuesday. My solicitor now wants me to supply her with proof of content and building insurance for the property as he says that he has to check this in his capacity as lawyer for the bank. What risks does the mortgage company expect the insurance to cover?

All property lawyers 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 Part 2 requirements. These obligations are not specific to conveyancing in Cricklewood.

We are purchasing a house and the solicitor has referenced Chancel Repair to which the property could be obligated to pay as it falls into the area of such a church. She has recommended insurance. Is this strictly warranted for conveyancing in Cricklewood

Unless a previous purchase of the premises completed after 12 October 2013 you may assume that solicitors conducting conveyancing in Cricklewood to remain encouraging a chancel search and or chancel repair liability insurance.

I have recentlybecome aware that Arc property Solicitors have closed. They conducted my conveyancing in Cricklewood for a purchase of a leasehold apartment 9 months ago. How can I check that the property is in my name in the name of the previous owner?

The easiest method to check if the premises is in your name, you can carry out a search of the land registry (£3.00). You can either do this yourself or ask a law firm to do this for you. If you are not registered you can seek help from one of a number of Cricklewood conveyancing specialists.

I am thinking of appointing a conveyancing solicitor in Cricklewood for my house move. Is it possible to see a solicitor's record with the profession’s regulator?

Anyone may read documented Solicitor Regulator Association (SRA) determinations arising from investigations from 2008 onwards. Go to Check a solicitor's record. To find details about the period before 1 January 2008, or to check a firm's record, ring 0870 606 2555, 08.00 - 18.00 any week day save for Tuesday when lines open at 9.30am. For callers outside the UK, call +44 (0)121 329 6800. The SRA sometimes recorded telephone calls for training requirements.

I am hoping to put an offer on a small detached house that seems to meet my requirements, at a reasonable price which is making it more attractive. I have since been informed that it's a leasehold as opposed to freehold. I would have thought that there are issues purchasing a house with a leasehold title in Cricklewood. Conveyancing advisers have are about to be instructed. Will they explain the issues?

Most houses in Cricklewood are freehold and not leasehold. In this scenario it’s worth having a local conveyancer who is familiar with the area who can assist with the conveyancing process. We note that you are purchasing in Cricklewood so you should seriously consider shopping around for a Cricklewood conveyancing solicitor and check that they are used to advising on leasehold houses. First you will need to check the unexpired lease term. Being a tenant you will not be entirely free to do whatever you want with the house. The lease comes with conditions such as obtaining the landlord’spermission to conduct alterations. You may also be required to pay a service charge towards the maintenance of the communal areas where the property is part of an estate. Your solicitor should advise you fully on all the issues.

Despite our best endeavours, we have been unsuccessful in seeking a lease extension in Cricklewood. Can this matter be resolved via the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal?

Where there is a absentee freeholder or if there is dispute about the premium for a lease extension, under the relevant legislation you can apply to the LVT to determine the amount due.

An example of a Freehold Enfranchisement case for a Cricklewood premises is 73 and 73a St. Pauls Avenue in October 2013. the Tribunal held in accordance with section32 and Schedule 6 of the Leasehold Reform,Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 that the premium for the enfranchisement was
fifty three thousand three hundred and sixty one pounds (£53,361.00) This case was in relation to 2 flats. The unexpired lease term was 64.61 and 67.18.