Freehold to leasehold flat – should I abandon the sale?

Freehold to leasehold flat – should I abandon the sale?

9:14 AM, 6th December 2023, About 5 months ago 3

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Hi everyone, I had an offer accepted on a top floor flat which shares the building (built late 1800s) with two other flats. Each flat has its own freehold and each owner wants to convert the freeholds to leaseholds ASAP.

The current situation is that building work/repairs and building insurance is split equally between each flat. I haven’t been able to get a lender to approve a mortgage so would need to be a cash buyer which isn’t ideal but is possible.

Please go easy on me as I’m completely new to this, how difficult is it to convert a freehold flat to a leasehold? What would be a rough idea of the cost? I have no idea if this is something that’s relatively simple to do or if I should be running for the hills. Also, would the other flat owners be able to dictate whether or not I can rent my flat out?

I don’t want to lose the property but need to be sensible if it’s potentially a headache.

Thank you,

Emma


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Comments

Tim Peters

10:11 AM, 6th December 2023, About 5 months ago

You need to check exactly what is going on because I think you have misunderstood somewhere.

If you own the freehold, you can just grant a lease but that does not destroy or convert the freehold.

I also don't see how each flat could have its own freehold... It is more likely that each flat owner owns a share of the freehold on the building as a whole.

Judith Wordsworth

10:38 AM, 6th December 2023, About 5 months ago

There are several types of freehold flats, flying freehold, creeping freehold, virtual freehold, and commonhold.

Mortgage lenders are concerned with what their liability and risk is with a freehold flat as they in reality own the property not you. Not do they really understand the conception. Also because there are often inadequate or no obligations to maintain, repair and insure the building.

Have a read of these and what to do.

https://www.freehold-sale.co.uk/resources/freehold-101-everything-you-need-to-know-about-freehold-properties-infographic/

https://www.ker.co.uk/freehold-flats-what-is-the-problem-and-how-can-i-fix-it/

https://www.landlordvision.co.uk/blog/buyers-guide-freehold-flats/

Neil Heffey

21:02 PM, 6th December 2023, About 5 months ago

From what you describe, it sounds more likely that the three flats are currently held on leasehold and the leaseholders are trying to acquire the freehold.

Usually developers convert a building into say 3 flats, then they sell them on a leasehold Charing a service fee. With smaller developments like this, the service charges don’t cover the costs of repairs and Maintenace that are required and the freeholders go missing leaving the leaseholders having to split the costs of maintaining communal areas etc..

If the building is on one freehold, applications would have to be made to split the titles for it to create separate freeholds.

I think this may cause issues and have costs involved, it certainly doesn’t sound straight forward but if you are getting a cheap price, it could be worth the headache that may come with it.

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