Modifying a leasehold flat in the UK?

Question

I'm thinking about buying a two bed flat that has a large reception room. I could get a wall built dividing the reception room in two so that it would then have three bedrooms. Is this something that is likely to be forbidden though?

Answer 1

Any structural changes must be done only with the permission of the over all owner of the lease.

You are allowed to do certain things, like put up curtains / blinds, change plumbing etc, but nothing that involved knocking down walls.

Answer 2

I work in leasehold estate management (the person you would pay ground rent and service charge to).

Firstly check your lease. Usually the Landlord (or freeholder) (you would be the lessee) states no changes to the exterior of the building and elevation. You can more or less do what you like inside as long as you don't interfere with the landlord's fixtures and fittings. Basically, as long as you are not interfering with the structure of the building (ie a supporting wall) or knocking holes through to the exterior (ie putting in an extra window as this would be classed as altering the interior), then you should be ok.

If in doubt, ring the management company.

Answer 3

you need to get permission from the Freeholder first for any alterations or when you come to sell the flat you will need to obtain a Deed of Variation from them which they will charge loads for as they will have you over a barrel. Most freeholders are ameniable though with things like this & would be good to know how they would react BEFORE you moved in so ask your solicitor to make this enquiry as part of the management enquiries taht are asked pre-contract.

Answer 4

i own a leasehold and we can't do any structual work without permission from the freeholder who when asked takes 3 months to get back to you and charges about £2000 for just taking out an old horrible fireplace make sure you read through the lease documents but whatever you do don't do it without permission because you could lose out

Answer 5

You need permission from the FREEHOLDER first. Once that is obtained - then need to check whether building is a 'listed' building - in which case you will require permission from the local authority and will need to make an application to the Planning Dept.

Answer 6

As I comprehend it loan businesses do no longer decide to lend on residences that have below seventy 5 years on the hire. this might advise which you've gotten a job advertising the flat as there'll in user-friendly terms be 5 years left earlier that's going to become a difficulty for a loan employer. in case you easily need to purchase a flat with in user-friendly terms eighty 5 years left i could advise that it must be on your pastime to purpose to get the hire prolonged. this could fee you greater desirable.

Answer 7

It would only be a problem if A) the flat was part of a listed building and you were potentially detracting from the original features or B) that you hadnt provided a clear and accessible fire exit.
Otherwise, it's yours to do what you like!

Answer 8

Probably. You will have to get a copy of the lease from the Land Registry and have a good read through it to see what is allowed and what isnt.