Deciding on who pays for what communal stuff when splitting a deed and if you dont know - do you know where I find out?

[Blowingthroughthejasmineinmymi]

I have a property- shop below and flat above, I want to split the deed but am struggling to find out proper information on this. We have a solicitor who said " its up to your and your buyer to decide who pays for the communal areas" etc.

But surely there is precedent for this - and a usual standard time tested formula to use as guide?

Its flat above shop, has courtyard, garage and driveway.

Do I keep a parking space with the shop> Do I give it all to the flat with built in - "allowances" for the shop to retain some parking rights? Who pays for the drains? What on earth would I charge?

I would retain shop and sell flat to friend ( if this falls through I will probably sell the whole thing)

Solicitors have been vague and not sure where to get proper info from.

You need an surveyor to advise rather than a solicitor.

OK will try that route - so surveyor advises then solicitor puts in in lease and makes it legal...

also any type of surveyor, are they all the same?