Buying Freeholds: Right of first refusal - new buyers

1stTimebuyerStress

Hi,

We're about to exchange on a leasehold 2 bed flat next week. We've just found out the freeholder is looking to dispose of the freehold to a managing agency and is about to write notices to the current leaseholders.

We're keen to buy the freehold, even though its a 900yr+ lease, to make future renonvations and a potential loft conversion easier. We are hoping to complete in 3-4 weeks.

Does anyone know if we will get right of first refusal when we complete, even though the original notice was given to the person we are buying the flat off?

Thanks,

1stTimebuyerStress :eek:

AnnieO1234

Morning OP,

Someone more knowledgeable will be along soon but I do not believe you have the right to which you allude to where more than one property is part of the freehold title which with a flat would be the case. You would need to either purchase the whole outright and become the new freeholder, or arrange for the block to collectively purchase the same.


X

eddddy

1stTimebuyerStress wrote: »

...
Does anyone know if we will get right of first refusal when we complete, even though the original notice was given to the person we are buying the flat off?
...

I suspect LEASE would be able to answer this question instantly, if you call them. (I've contacted them on other matters) See the 'Contact Us' box on this page: http://www.lease-advice.org/

You might also want to read up on this here:
http://www.lease-advice.org/publications/documents/document.asp?item=16

(And just a thought: if you want to purchase a new lease on the loft to convert it...
...who knows...
it might be easier to deal with a 'business-like' professional freeholder, rather than a bunch of fellow leaseholders who may have little understanding of property matters and may not be very interested.

Whichever way, you probably can't force them to sell you the loft)