Buy an unused area from us

We aim to respond within 10 working days but there may be a slight delay. Be assured we're processing all applications and will respond as soon as possible.

You may live in a building or estate where you've identified an unused area or space that's owned by Southwark Council. For example an asset like a:

• small piece of land
• loft space
• laundry room 
• garden
• basement

We sell off our assets at our discretion if they're:

• not being used 
• do not have any services or pipework that we need to access

Selling off these unused areas is also known as an ad-hoc disposal.

Before agreeing to sell it we'll need to consider if:

• any other person, leaseholder or property owner has rights to it, or needs access to the area
• we need to access the area to carry out our maintenance or repair obligations 
• the area contains shared services or facilities
• if there's planned maintenance or development of the area
• we want to include the area in a regeneration project
• the area is immediately adjacent to your property

There may be other reasons why the land or space might not be suitable for sale. We will not know until we inspect the area.

You should clearly know why you want to buy the area. For example, if it's a loft space, do you want to do a loft conversion when you own it?

If you plan to make any changes to the area or space you must have our approval first so you do not breach the terms of your lease. 

For example, you may want to buy a loft space to convert it when you own it. You would have to check with us before getting planning permission or building control approval. 

We may not agree to the suggested changes.

You can apply to buy the area (ad hoc application) and apply for alteration approval at the same time if you want.

Cost

You'll be responsible for your own legal fees.

You'll also have other fees to pay at various stages of the process.

The costs involved in applying to buy the area:

• a non-refundable application fee that you must pay when you apply
• valuation fee which is payable if we agree to the sale
• survey fee for a new lease plan (if applicable), payable once a price has been agreed
• the council’s conveyancing fees, VAT and disbursements
• the premium which is the agreed price of the area you want to buy, payable on completion of sale 

Disbursements include costs that our solicitor will incur as part of the transaction. The may include:

• Land Registry title search fees
• sealing of documents
• other office costs

Our solicitor’s fees are subject to change depending on the completion date.

These costs do not include the amount you have to pay for the asset.

How to apply

Our residential conveyancing and compliance team manages all applications. 

Email hsg.conveyancing@southwark.gov.uk to request an application form.

More information

Download Buying unused land or space in your building (PDF, 151kb)