Freehold and Leasehold Management Pack Information

Documents You Will Need

With the introduction of HIPs comes the need to have the documentation required by the Buyer’s solicitors available at the earliest opportunity. The aim behind this is to speed up the conveyancing process (See separate section on HIPs for what will be required)

When you instruct us to act for you in selling your property we will write to you with a number of forms to complete. These are called Property Information Forms. The replies you give to the questions raised in these forms will form part of the Contract which you will enter with the Buyer of your property.

In addition to the completed Property Information Forms, for a Freehold Property you will need to provide us with:-

• Notices you have received which affect the property. These could be notices about local planning applications or letters from your neighbour
• Guarantees for works which have been carried out to the property e.g damp-proofing or double glazing
• Planning Permissions or Building Regulation Consents for extensions or alterations which you may have made to the property
• Party Wall Awards for any works which may have been done either to yours or a neighbouring property

For a Leasehold Property you will also need to provide us with:-

• Original Lease (you may have this or it may be held by your mortgage lender)
• Ground Rent Demand sent to you by your Landlord
• Service Charge Statement and Accounts
• Guarantees for works which have been carried out to the property eg damp-proofing or double glazing
• Planning Permissions or Building Regulation Consents for extensions or alterations which you may have made to the property
• Party Wall Awards for any works which may have been done either to yours or a neighbouring property

If the freehold of your building is owned by a Company owned by the leaseholders of the building you will need to provide us with your share certificate in the freehold company and the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the freehold company.

The Buyer will also require service charge accounts for the last three years and a copy of the current insurance policy for the building. If you do not have these they will be available from your Managing Agents. They will make a charge for providing copies of these documents so if you do have them you may be able to save some money on their fees.

With almost all leasehold properties Buyers Solicitors will require the standard Leasehold Information Pack which is produced by your Managing Agents. This pack includes documents such as the current insurance policy and service charge accounts but also contains information the Buyer will require about the transfer of ownership of the property.

Managing Agents make a charge for providing these packs varying from as little as £50 plus VAT to £250 plus VAT. Unfortunately, this pack must be obtained and this cost to you as a seller of leasehold property will be unavoidable.

Selling Guidance

• Documents You Will Need
• Retentions
• Exchange of Contracts