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Transfer documents

These are for freehold sales (generally houses) and are the equivalent of lease agreements. They are less detailed as the property itself is generally handed over (or transferred) from the landlord to the purchaser, and is then that person’s responsibility to maintain. The landlord will have less obligations left in freehold transfers with regard to maintenance of the property. Similarly, the freeholder will not have as many service charges to pay.

What is generally still included in the freehold that could be the landlord’s responsibility, or the freeholder’s responsibility to pay for, are any drainage systems (guttering or below ground drains), pipes or cables that are used in common with other residents.

In this way, freehold sales on estates will also generally still incur service charges for the outside areas of the estate. Plans similar to those provided with lease agreements are also provided with transfer documents.

It is on the basis of all of the documents mentioned in this booklet that all services and service charges are provided or asked.

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