we don't have a factor, and don't pay anything extra for the upkeep of the building, all the other owners of the flats and myself look after it ourselves. Does this mean that it is freehold? I wonder if it may be that all flats are leasehold ( I really amn't sure but I don't see how you can own the land that a flat is on as surely it must be shared with everyone that owns a flat in the tenement??). so assuming it is leasehold, how do I find out who owns it and how many years there are on it?
the reason for the question is I then want to know if I can convert the attic and who I need to ask to do that. help!
2006-11-02 02:36:01 · 11 answers · asked by Klee 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
If you are in Scotland I'd be VERY surprised if it was leasehold. Unless you are right in the very centre of Edinburgh or Glasgow perhaps..
You're almost certainly freehold but you need to ask a solicitor, not thses retards on here.
PS thanks to those americans who didn't let "not knowing what they are talking about" prevent them from posting answers.
2006-11-02 02:49:52 · answer #1 · answered by Not Ecky Boy 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A flat is likely to be leasehold, but the block could be freehold (not necessarily) . it is possible for each flat in the block to have a share in the freehold - but it is also possible it is owned by someone else. Regarding the attic, you do need to check your lease and see what it says there about consent. You need to log on to Land Registry website and get the 'official copy entries' for your flat. This will tell you if your flat is leasehold. You can also down load the freehold - there is a fee of £3 per official copy (and additional £3 if you want the plans). You might also be able to download the lease which will cost about £10. Really you need a property lawyer as you'll have to be able to make sense of a lease. But in the first instance see if you can download official copies. (NB This is what happens in England, Scottish law can differ)
2006-11-02 02:58:17 · answer #2 · answered by Helen C 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The answer will be in the Report and Valuation that you paid for before you bought the flat. This is the report that advises of any problems and the condition of the property. etc.
You probably have it lying in a bundle of papers, but the building society/bank where you have the mortage will have a copy. You could also ask the building society or bank where you hold the mortgage, they are likely to have the info. on computer.
You can usually find out from the local council (where you pay council tax) if you are allowed to convert your loft or any other restrictions. They are a good place to start.
2006-11-02 02:51:28 · answer #3 · answered by P R 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your solicitor should have gone through the lease if it was leasehold when you bought it, however it probably is, because most lenders don't lend on freehold flats even though they exist.
I do recommend contacting your solicitor when you bought it, because Scottish property law is very different to England
2006-11-02 02:49:26 · answer #4 · answered by voodoobluesman 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounds like you either have a commonhold or a share in the freehold (of the building) plus a leasehold (of your flat)
2006-11-02 02:54:16 · answer #5 · answered by Peter R 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should have asked that before you bought it! The deeds may have the info. Just because you look after the upkeep doesnt mean its Freehold, you need to check.
2006-11-02 02:44:37 · answer #6 · answered by Annie M 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It will say whether it is free or leasehold on your deeds.
Unfortunately it doesn't matter whether or not you pay extra for upkeep, that isn't a deciding factor.
2006-11-02 02:39:01 · answer #7 · answered by Cate 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Depends if the deeds have any restrictive covenants. Definitely one for a lawyer to advise on.
2016-03-28 04:36:18 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it were lease hold you would have had to sign a lease agreement when you moved in !
2006-11-02 02:42:40 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you should have been when you took out your mortgage if not ask your mortgage lender the will tell you
2006-11-02 02:43:11 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋