Scotland's tenement law

marie_em

My husband and I are both Architects and quized him as he does domestic work. He said, check your title deeds, but most likely it is considered shared in terms of ownership to convert. I know that the cost repairs to the roof are split between all owners.

If you choose to buy it you would have to pay the others and then you will be liablie for retiling etc.
But more importantly in a tenement there are issues in the Building Regulations regarding converting it to a useable space. Means of escape is very important as you have to provide a 2nd escape route. Agagin I am not up to speed with the revised domestic regs. But previously they required an "escape window" and whether this works depends on the size shape of the roof. You can have a look at the Scottish Building Regs online. Search google for "Scottish Technical Handbooks 2010 Domestic".
My husband provides an intial free visit for potential clients. If you are in Glasgow or the surrounding area, call James Mullen, Chartered Architect - 0141 892 0795 - his website is jmarchitect, dot, co, dot, uk.

ganetplanet

Thanks Marie_em - I posted on another thread and got a reply which basically said the roof space belongs to top flat if there is nothing in the Deeds to saying anything to contrary - but because I've asked so many people on my mission for knowledge on this subject I've also been told some people buying top flats just take it over anyway and if no one challenges them after a while it becomes their 'whole extra floor'. I would have thought a solicitor would have to flag it up at sale but apparently -according to someone at work they don't- and it costs an awful lot in legal fees to fight it retrospectively.
by the way they don't have any special fire escape up there so would be totally stuffed if fire of the lower floor occured.

highshorting

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