Viewer asking for copy of lease

[BathtimeScroller]

Our leasehold property is currently on the market. Someone came to view a few days ago and is now asking for a copy of the lease, is this something I should provide at this stage? I thought this all got dealt with via solicitors once we accept an offer.

I wouldn't provide it. If they want a specific question answered maybe consider answering it.

They can probably obtain a copy of the lease from the land registry if they are really desperate to see it.

I’d ask what specifically they want to know. Leases are very long and dense and only a small portion probably relates directly to the property. Is it to confirm length? Any covenants? These are easily answered. I’d tell your agent you are happy to answer any questions but the lease will only be given via solicitors at the appropriate time.

It costs £3 to download it - I'd supply it like a shot if I thought it would turn a viewer into a buyer.

I don't see why you would have an issue with this? Disclaimer - don't know anything about leasehold properties so it's probably something I would ask for.

This is what I think - to memi would think there is something to hide!

I would supply it, and would think a seller is hiding something if they didn't provide it. I agree it's more common to ask specific questions about the lease rather than request a copy, but they might have had bad experiences with incorrect information.

I wouldn't withhold it. They may want to look through before making an offer and start to spend ££ and make commitments, that's not unreasonable. It sounds like they could be interested in buying your property so worthwhile engaging.

I asked for a copy when I was about to make an offer. I would have been wary if a seller wouldn’t give me one. I wanted evidence of length of time and cost.

So many leases have crazy terms these days.

They probably want to give it the once over to see whether there is anything onerous.

Maybe direct them to the land registry site where they can download it for a small fee. Then they can be sure they are getting the actual lease.

I've bought leasehold and I want to know the full implications before I make an offer.

Our flat is leasehold (though privately owned) with 900 years outstanding. The Management Company has tweaked out a very obscure sub-section clause to enforce a parking issue that will stop a set up that's worked for all of us for years. They will not, however, enforce the more apparent clause that addresses noisy dogs. If I were buying a leasehold property again I'd want an early look at the lease and go through it with a magnifying glass.

My lease had clauses such as "no short term rentals", which means no Airbnb.

No pets, including fish

No ball games in the garden

No drying clothes in the balcony

All that is important to know before making an offer

I can see both sides of this one. I can see why a buyer would want to see it, but since a lease is a legal document, I would be extremely nervous of the implications of sharing it without taking legal advice. Since the point when you instruct solicitors is the point when you have that legal advice, it does feel to me like something that belongs in the conveyancing process. After all, that's exactly what the lengthy process is all about - giving buyers time to get legal advice and fully investigate their proposed purchase, and negotiate over what comes to light, with freedom to pull out if necessary. Makin

Personally, I would not supply the full lease and instead go back and ask what they specifically are trying to find out and answer the questions. I don't see how any buyer could consider it withholding information, because they will still have full access to the information at an appropriate time, when they have a solicitor who can help them understand any implications.

Most leases are in standard form, so it's really just a question of knowing who's responsible for repairs and maintenance, and what are common or shared parts. I would definitely provide a copy to a potential buyer who requested it, why wouldn't you? If they go ahead, they'd see it anyway, so it's just showing them what they want to know sooner rather than later.

Thanks all for your replies. We have nothing to hide in the lease but as it’s a legal document I wasn’t sure whether to provide it as it just felt a bit odd sending it to a stranger who might not make an offer. Some interesting replies here so I’ll have a think through them all later and speak to the agent.

Yes I would provide it. I own a leasehold flat and my neighbour has sold
They wanted to see the conditions of the lease, as did I 8 years ago
They will ask for detailed information about the service charges too
No point hiding anything as they may pull out further down the line

Leasehold properties can be difficult to sell, I would definitely supply a copy of your lease, anything to make the process easier for you.