On the balance of probabilities where you own a flat in Canary Wharf you actually own a long leasehold interest over your property
Leasehold premises in Canary Wharf with more than one hundred years outstanding on the lease are sometimes referred to as ‘virtual freehold’. This is where the lease value the same as a freehold interest in your premises. In such circumstances there is often little upside in buying the freehold unless savings on ground rent and estate charges warrant it.
| Lender | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Accord Mortgages | 85 years from the date of completion of the mortgage. Please ensure that you explain the implications of a short term lease to the borrower. |
| Barclays plc | Leases with less than 70 years at the commencement of the mortgage are not acceptable. Leases with fewer than 70 years should only be referred to the issuing office where the following scenario applies, as discretion may be applied subject to bank approval: • Property is located in any of the following prestigious developments: Cadogan, Crown, Grosvenor, Howard de Walden, Portman or Wellcome Trust Estates in Central London AND • The value of the property subject to the short remaining term is £500,000 or more AND • The loan to value does not exceed 90% for purchases, 90% like for like re-mortgages, 80% for re-mortgages with any element of capital raising and 80% for existing Barclays mortgage borrowers applying for additional borrowing; |
| Birmingham Midshires | Minimum 70 years from the date of the mortgage. |
| Halifax | Minimum 70 years from the date of the mortgage. |
| Yorkshire Building Society | 85 years from the date of completion of the mortgage. Please ensure that you explain the implications of a short term lease to the borrower. |
The conveyancers that we work with procure Canary Wharf lease extensions and help protect your position. A lease extension can be arranged to be completed to coincide with a change of ownership so the costs of the lease extension are paid for using part of the sale proceeds. You really do need expert legal advice in this difficult and technical area of law. The lawyer we work with provide it.
Trailing lengthy negotiations with the landlord of her studio apartment in Canary Wharf, Yasmin commenced the lease extension process as the eighty year deadline was fast nearing. The transaction completed in April 2014. The freeholder’s costs were negotiated to under 500 pounds.
In 2011 we were phoned by Dr Alfie Moreau who, having completed a ground floor apartment in Canary Wharf in July 1999. We are asked if we could approximate the price could be for a ninety year lease extension. Comparable properties in Canary Wharf with a long lease were worth £275,000. The mid-range amount of ground rent was £65 invoiced yearly. The lease came to a finish in 2094. Considering the 68 years left we estimated the compensation to the landlord to extend the lease to be within £12,400 and £14,200 exclusive of professional charges.
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 term as at the valuation date was 101.61 years.