Help finding info from my lease

housebuyer219

Hi there , currently in the process of selling my leasehold flat. We had a viewing and they asked about removing an internal wall. From my limited knowledge it’s a stud wall and I know others in the block have removed making the kitchen living one big space. They have asked what the lease says about this but I’m bambozzled by the terminology used. Is there a specific phrase in a lease that will allow this type of work? 

gwynlas

You usually need freeholder consent to make structural changes but this cannot reasonably be denied. However removing a kitchen wall might require planning permission if this compromises a fire escape route. Do you know anyone who's removed this wall to ask them if they sought permiission?

housebuyer219

gwynlas said:

You usually need freeholder consent to make structural changes but this cannot reasonably be denied. However removing a kitchen wall might require planning permission if this compromises a fire escape route. Do you know anyone who's removed this wall to ask them if they sought permiission?

Thank you, I don’t believe it will impact a fire escape but I’m no expert.  I could ask a neighbour but that would mean talking to them!  Plus I only know others have done it as I’ve seen it on RM etc when they’ve sold so likely to be previous owners 

propertyrental

And Building Regs of course.

t I’m bambozzled by the terminology used. 

If you quote it here someone will unbozzle it!

NameUnavailable

The lease almost certainly includes clauses to the effect that you cannot alter the property without the freeholders permission.

I guess your answer should be 'I'm aware that some others have altered their flats but I understand that you would need to consult with the freeholders first'.

Jonboy_1984

This is an area I would leave to your solicitors to debate, as there are many variations on the wording and the consequences.

Don’t be tempted to approach (or allow the EA to) the freeholder to ask informally in advance as it is not work you would be undertaking yourself (based on the advice from our solicitor when selling last year).

housebuyer219

Jonboy_1984 said:

This is an area I would leave to your solicitors to debate, as there are many variations on the wording and the consequences.

Don’t be tempted to approach (or allow the EA to) the freeholder to ask informally in advance as it is not work you would be undertaking yourself (based on the advice from our solicitor when selling last year).

It was a question raised by someone who viewed , they haven’t yet put an offer forward. I think I’ll follow the advise above “ I'm aware that some others have altered their flats but I understand that you would need to consult with the freeholders first'. 

macman

Why not let the conveyancer have a copy of the lease and work it out for themselves? It's not your job or responsibility to advise a prospective buyer on this.