Alterations to Southwark Council leasehold flat

[Mands123]

Hi everyone,

I?m looking at buying a flat where the freeholder is Southwark Council. The flat needs extensive refurbishment works in order to make it habitable including installation of a new central heating system, full electrical rewire, replacement of rotten flooring, new kitchen and bathroom. I?d also like to alter the layout which would involve some structural work and replace a window with French doors.

I understand that I would need permission from the Council to do the work (not just planning permission, because it?s a leasehold flat there are extra restrictions compared to a private freeholder) and am wondering if there?s anyone out there who has been through this process and can give me some insight as to how responsive the Council were and whether the process to obtain permission was particularly onerous. If I buy the flat, I?d need to start works as soon as possible so we could move in when completed. I?ve read some horror stories!

The flat isn?t on an estate, it?s in a converted Victorian house.

Please feel free to message me direct if you?d prefer to remain anonymous.

Thanks so much!

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Mands123 Wrote:

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>I?ve read some horror stories!

Well, if anybody replies I'm sure we can all indulge in reading some more!

[TheArtfulDogger]

Step away from the nightmare before it starts is my advice

There are other properties out there that won't have such onerous issues as part of their package.