HIPs: Commonhold Properties

A HIP for  commonhold property has the same compulsory documents as for freehold properties. The HIP must also include some additional documents.

If a property is commonhold then you effectively own a share of the freehold of the land on which the building stands. You own this share together with other owners of flats in the building. You also share the responsibility with them for things like repairs and upkeep.

You must have the standard compulsory documents for the HIP. You also need to include within the HIP an official copy of the individual register and title plan for the common parts and the commonhold community statement referred to in the register.

You can get these documents and information about the fees you'll have to pay from the appropriate Land Registry office although the fee may be built into the HIP fee. Copies from the Land Registry are acceptable as evidence in the courts, if needed.

A HIP for a  commonhold property must also provide:

• copies of any regulations or rules not described in the commonhold community statement and any proposed changes to those regulations or to the commonhold community statement
• copies of any requests for payments made in the previous 12 months to do with the commonhold assessment, reserve fund levy and insurance (if not covered by a request for commonhold assessment)
• the name and address of any managing agent or other person appointed or about to be appointed by the commonhold association to manage the commonhold
• a summary of current or proposed works affecting the commonhold