Ownership of a cross lease property means you own a share of the underlying land and lease flats (or houses) to yourself and other owners for (normally) 999 years. A cross lease plan is annexed to the certificate of title and is commonly referred to as the ‘Flats Plan’. This shows common areas, restricted areas and delineates the area of each flat. The common areas The common areas, for example a driveway, may be used by all owners by virtue of their joint ownership of the land (if marked as a common area on their lease). There will be a covenant that the common area is not to be used for any purpose other than access for vehicles and pedestrians. The restricted areas The restricted areas are intended to provide each owner with a private area for their use such as a courtyard or garden. The rights that the owner enjoys over the restricted area depend on the actual terms of the lease itself. It is imperative that a prospective purchaser search all the leases of the property in order to ascertain the full extent of all restricted areas. August 2009 – October 2009 Page 4 of 4 © 2009 The flats The area of each flat should be clearly delineated on the plan. A prospective purchaser should take the opportunity to compare the Flats Plan with the actual buildings on the property to ensure that there have been no additions, alterations, or demolitions which are not shown or recorded on the Flats Plan. The alterations or additions may encroach either on to the common area or on to a restricted area and the owner has no leasehold title to them, and is in breach of the lease if consent is not sought and the Flat Plans altered. Objecting to title If you are purchasing a cross-leased property you can object to title if the Flats Plan is defective. You are able to object to title subsequent to signing an agreement for sale and purchase, provided you do so within the correct timeframe. If alterations or additions have been made to the flats so the exterior dimensions have changed, the vendor will be unable to give you a leasehold title to the alterations/additions and the title is defective. On receiving an objection notice from a purchaser, the vendor usually has one of three options. S/he can correct the title, cancel the agreement, or negotiate with the purchaser. To correct the title, the vendor must: • have a cross-lease plan of the alterations or additions prepared and deposited in the Land Registry Office, and • surrender the cross-lease and have a new crosslease of the altered or enlarged building executed and registered. This process is costly and relies on the co-operation of all parties. In summary, a cross-lease title should be checked carefully to ensure there are restricted areas, common areas and the Flats Plan is correct. If you want to purchase a cross leased property and there is a problem with the Flats Plan, you may be able to have the vendor rectify the issue and proceed accordingly.