MsAliP

pcmesq - the building will already be insured. Ask the people you're buying the freehold from for a copy of the policy certificate (our freeholder always sent us a copy with the bill we had to pay for it). When I bought our freehold, I then just contacted the broker named on the certificate and changed the name on the policy (the policy was paid up until June and we purchased the freehold in March). Now we have to renew the insurance policy, the insurer and broker we're with already are offering us a good deal to stay with them.

firstchoicegary - can I ask an off-on-a-tangent question?? We've just bought the freehold with our neighbours (2 flats victorian conversion like you) but our solicitor isn't sure how to proceed with a binding agreement for just two parties. I know... odd! Can I ask what how your shared freehold is set up? The solicitor's best option is a covenant of some sort where we list sensible things like sharing all building costs but he fears it won't be fully legally binding and could lead to trouble if one of us moves and sells to a less friendly and responsible sort. Very interested to hear about your - or anyone else's - arrangement. Cheers!