28 Departments have a duty to dispose of property surplus to requirements within three years and should not hold land speculatively. They are encouraged to obtain professional, specialist advice when doing this. The sale of freehold property, or the assignment or subletting of leasehold property, is likely to involve significant costs, (e.g. legal fees, marketing costs and removal costs). Situations can be complex where there is more than one occupier.
29 One question to consider is what should be done to a surplus property prior to putting it on the market. Initiatives to improve its marketability would include:
❑ Refurbishment;
❑ Applying for a different outline (or detailed) planning consent. However, sometimes it is not clear what is the best alternative use, in which case properties could be put on the market 'subject to planning permission'; and
❑ Consulting other public sector bodies about their property requirements. The OGC maintains a register of property surpluses and requirements.
30 More detailed advice on property disposals can be obtained from the Office of Government Commerce (OGC).3
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3 http://www.ogc.gov.uk and from 'Government Accounting', particularly Chapter 24, Disposal of Assets