Upper Massonette & converting the loft

AnnieO1234

You are absolutely certain it's the entire freehold you'd be purchasing and not simply a portion of the freehold?

If the roof is the sole responsibility of the upper maisonette and freeholder, there shouldn't be an issue (except if it's just a portion of the freehold).

This might sound like a random question but, who maintains the garden area?

xxx

Lmeola

Hi Annie,

Yes we will be purchasing the leasehold for the upper maisonette and the full freehold.

The roof is not the sole responsibility of the upper maisonette and freeholder, it is the responsibility of of both leaseholders and the freeholder.

The garden is divided into two parts for the lower and upper maisonettes.

We still feel confused and need a lot of things clarifying with our solicitors first. The only way we will go ahead with the purchase is if both leases are changed so we have sole access to the loft area in able to convert it and this will be paid for by the current owner who has messed us around time and time again.

Thank you everyone for your help and advice.

AnnieO1234

Lmeola wrote: »

Hi Annie,

Yes we will be purchasing the leasehold for the upper maisonette and the full freehold.

The roof is not the sole responsibility of the upper maisonette and freeholder, it is the responsibility of of both leaseholders and the freeholder.

The garden is divided into two parts for the lower and upper maisonettes.

We still feel confused and need a lot of things clarifying with our solicitors first. The only way we will go ahead with the purchase is if both leases are changed so we have sole access to the loft area in able to convert it and this will be paid for by the current owner who has messed us around time and time again.

Thank you everyone for your help and advice.

The big problem you will have is trying to force changes to an existing lease. Admittedly if you were willing to take on the responsibility for the roof from the lower maisonette then that may go some way into getting the leaseholder to agree. But you'll also need their mortgage (if applicable) company to agree too.

Good luck!

xxx

eddddy

Lmeola wrote: »

The only way we will go ahead with the purchase is if both leases are changed so we have sole access to the loft area in able to convert it

Hmmm... if the downstairs leaseholder realises that his right to an aerial is blocking a loft conversion, he might ask for big bucks to give up the right.

It's a bit like owning a ransom strip...

Thrugelmir

eddddy wrote: »

Hmmm... if the downstairs leaseholder realises that his right to an aerial is blocking a loft conversion, he might ask for big bucks to give up the right.

It's a bit like owning a ransom strip...

Or simply prefer to do nothing and maintain the status quo.

Lmeola

Thanks everyone for your advice and input. It's been very helpful. Well the position we are in now its either purchase the property with the loft and have the lower lease changed or not purchase at all and the search continues. Oh what JOY!