Freeholder building on top of a top-floor flat we're buying. What considerations should I be making?

feathers12

Yeah we've been discussing what we think are our total choices - and basically settled on the view that while something like this could come up on a property after we complete, it seems like a fools errand to continue down this path knowing this looming overhead. It's one thing if it happens while I own the place but before hand seems a big no. 

Our solicitor has so far asked their solicitor for all the communication from the freeholder from the seller - I'm super curious to what they have had / what they disclose. But either way it's time to pull out I think. 

Interestingly enough, since the solicitors discovery, the estate agent has come back pretty confident that "nothing will go ahead" and "it's likely to get rejected" and "nothing to worry about". Hmm, I'm sure you have no vested interest in any way shape or form.

Lunchbox

feathers12 said:

Interestingly enough, since the solicitors discovery, the estate agent has come back pretty confident that "nothing will go ahead" and "it's likely to get rejected" and "nothing to worry about". Hmm, I'm sure you have no vested interest in any way shape or form.

They’re talking out of their backside, as subject to a few basic criteria this type of addition now falls under Permitted Development and doesn’t require full planning.

bouicca21

There is a block of flats near me with a similar proposal.  I think it has been stymied by a covenant restricting the height of the building.  The original landowner probably didn’t want to spoil the view from his mansion.

Might just be worth checking the freeholder’s deeds.  I certainly would not believe anything said by an EA.