How to handle the management pack when selling a leasehold property

How to handle the management pack when selling a leasehold property

By Sophia Wood-Burgess

By

Selling a leasehold property comes with a few extra steps. Don't worry – we'll walk you through the management pack process, making it simple and stress-free.

What is a leasehold property?

First things first, let's clarify what makes a property leasehold. These distinctions are important when it comes to selling your property:

🏡
Freehold
🏢
Leasehold
Who owns the property?
You own the property, the land it sits on and space above it
You own the property for a fixed period, the freeholder owns the land and building
What bills do I pay?
No ground rent or service charge
Typically ground rent, service charge and maintenance fees
Who is responsible for building maintenance?
You are responsible for all maintenance
The freeholder or managing agent they've hired
Typically applies to
Houses
Apartments

Read the full article: Leasehold, freehold and commonhold

Who manages my leasehold property?

Management can vary. Sometimes the freeholder handles things directly, other times they use a managing agent, and the council act as managing agent for some buildings. You can track down the details through:

• Your original management pack

• Your lease document

• HM Land Registry website

• The bill for your service charge

How do I request a Management Pack?

Your solicitor will request the management pack. Pro tip: the earlier you start, the smoother the process.

When do I need to get the Management Pack?

The earlier you get the management pack in motion, the better. These packs can take time to compile, and the last thing you want is paperwork slowing down your property sale.

Our top tip? Hire your solicitor and start gathering your documents while we're conducting viewings and finding your buyer. Our Conveyan panel solicitors work on a no sale, no legal fee basis, making it a risk-free move to get ahead.

You accept an offer, and your solicitor sends over the contract that same day. Conveyan provides a Sale-Ready Pack that can ensure you're fully prepared, cutting through delays and getting you moving faster. It makes the most complex stage of selling property so much simpler – you’ll thank yourself later. Explore Conveyan

How much does a management pack cost? Who pays it?

• Cost: £200 to £500

• Paid by: The seller (that's you)

• Best practice: Pay quickly to avoid delays

How long does it take to get a leasehold management pack?

Typical turnaround is up to six weeks, depending on the management company's organisation and workload. This is why we recommend:

• Hiring a solicitor early

• Starting paperwork during property viewings

• Preparing your Sale-Ready Pack in advance

When does a management pack expire?

Management packs typically expire after six months. After this point, the information will need to be updated.

What do you do with the management pack?

It’s your solicitor who deals with your management pack, so it’s a good idea to keep your solicitor in the loop on any communications you have with the managing agent or freeholder.

Is the management pack a legal requirement?

While not technically mandatory, the information is crucial for due diligence and compliance. Buyers and their solicitors won't likely proceed without it.

Can your buyer request the management pack themselves?

No. Only you or your solicitor can receive the management pack from the freeholder or managing agent.

What is in a management pack?

Your pack will be specific to your property includes crucial details like:

• Management contact information

• Service charge forecasts and accounts

• Ground rent

• Building insurance

• Fire risk and asbestos reports

• Planned maintenance works

• Relevant certifications

Sell a leasehold property
Photo by Foxtons Specialist Video & Photography team

Choose Foxtons to sell your leasehold property

As London’s number 1 estate agency brand,1 we sell a lot of leasehold properties, so our teams know exactly how to navigate any complexities. Honestly, go ahead and ask them anything!

If you have a leasehold to sell, start with a valuation by one of our experienced Valuers. They will walk you through the process, answer any questions and make you a custom strategy for selling your property in today’s market:

Book a valuation

1 Source: TwentyCI data, 2023 v 2022 market share and market share growth of new instructions at a brand level.

More insight for leaseholders:

What the government ban on leaseholds could mean for you

Top tips: juggling your house sale and onward move

‘Wash up’ round up: Leasehold Reform

Is now the time? Expert insight on housing affordability in 2025



Source: This article was reviewed by Foxtons Sales department and Conveyan – both departments have a long history of getting it done for London’s leasehold property owners. Book a valuation and we can get it done for you too. If you have questions on this article, ask a Foxtons expert.

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