Among the properties we manage there are a number of buildings where all of the flats are sold on long leases. If your building is one of these you have the right, as a leaseholder, to buy the freehold of your building.
If you do buy the freehold, your property would no longer be managed by Lewisham Homes. We would stop being responsible for repairing and maintaining the building and you would not receive any further major works charges from us.
As a freeholder you would decide, with other owners in the building, what works, if any, you want to carry out. You would be responsible for choosing a contractor and the timing of the works.
Before you can buy the freehold you need to meet certain conditions:
- Where there are only two flats in the building both leaseholders must agree to purchase the freehold.
- For buildings with more properties, at least 60% of the leaseholders need to jointly purchase the freehold. Buying the freehold this way is called ‘collective enfranchisement’.
You can find more information about buying the freehold from LEASE, an independent organisation.
You can also contact us homeownershipservices@lewishamhomes.org.uk
Extending your lease
If you want to extend your lease, a guide to the process can be found on The Leasehold Advisory Service website. However we recommend that you get professional help from a solicitor and surveyor with experience in this area.
Lewisham Council does not negotiate lease extensions by private agreement and you will need to extend your lease using the statutory process. The freeholder is Lewisham Council and notice to extend your lease should be served on Head of Law, London Borough of Lewisham, Laurence House, Catford, London SE6 4RU.