Buying Leasehold House - Freeholder Retrospective and Future Consent

iusedtoworkhere

Hi Henry,

I don't know much about multiple leases on single plot of land, but in your position I would be pressing for as much info as possible before commiting to an indemnity policy. It should, if drafted correctly, protect the buyer financially in the worst case that the freeholder/landlord turns up claiming the land (and maybe property as a result) - and bear in mind a lease is written with the 'landowner's' interests being protected.

Perhaps try:
https://www.gov.uk/search-property-information-land-registry

Put in the postcode, house no. etc. and it will highlight the freehold/leasehold status - I believe you can purchase copies of relevant documents for a few quid, assuming you don't already have them all.

But take my opinion with a pinch of salt - do some research and push your solicitor for answers. Make sure you get anything important in writing.

Your best bet (and I think general forum rules) is to start up a separate thread/forum on your specific issues. That way, forums stay on a single topic/case and things don't get easily confused between individual scenarios.

Best of luck!

iusedtoworkhere

Just an update on the situation re our original post:

We have requested the seller contact the freeholder to purchase the freehold by way of agreement (i.e. not to take to tribunal). The result of which will be pivotal on how we progress with our purchase. As indemnity is no real use in our case with future extension plans, and retro consent only fixes past issues too - but still leaves us subject to the terms of the lease. I may be sceptical, but an investment company isn't out to do me any favours! :rotfl:

Unless of course we wait two years to take to tribunal, then potentially a further year to complete the transfer...

In the meantime, we'll be arranging a few more viewings as a back-up plan.

henry9066

Thanks very much Have started a new thread. Sorry for posting on this Thread. Henry