Freehold Consent for Extension

[kmini]

Hi

We are planning to extend our flat shortly. We are joint freeholders with the upstairs flat. We understand that we require their consent to start the works (i.e different to party wall consent).

Does anyone know what this constitutes? Is there a form they need to fill out, is a consent letter sufficient or even is a simple email ok?

We are also planning to do a Condition Schedule of their flat to make sure that we've agreed any existing damage before the build starts. Any tips of on this??

You need to get written consent - it doesn't have to be particularly formal, just an email saying that they understand the plans and they are agreeing to them - and then need them, when the work is complete, to sign off an amendment (never quite remember what they're called, I think a deed of variation) to the lease.

I really think it is worth spending a few hundred getting a party wall surveyor to draw up an award which will include a condition report rather than trying any DIY versions.