St George Wharf, located in Vauxhall SW8, is one of London’s most recognisable riverside residential developments. With its high-spec apartments, panoramic river views, and prime Zone 1 location, it attracts both UK and overseas buyers looking for a secure property investment or luxury residence.
At Fraser Bond, we are often asked by prospective buyers: Are flats in St George Wharf sold as freehold or leasehold? This guide answers that question in full and explains the legal and financial implications for owners, landlords, and investors.
All residential apartments in St George Wharf are held on a leasehold basis. This means:
Buyers own the property for a fixed term (usually 999 years from original construction)
The freehold is retained by a developer or management company
Owners are required to comply with lease terms, including payment of ground rent and service charges
Freehold ownership is not available for individual flats, as is standard practice in the majority of London’s purpose-built developments.
Owning a leasehold flat in St George Wharf means:
You hold exclusive rights to occupy and use the flat for the lease term
You do not own the land or building structure
You must contribute to communal maintenance via annual service charges
You are subject to building rules, including restrictions on pets, subletting, or alterations
You may require Landlord or Freeholder consent for certain actions (e.g. renovations, short letting)
At Fraser Bond, we support all buyers with lease reviews, due diligence, and compliance advice before and after completion.
Most leases in the development were originally granted for 999 years, offering long-term security
Each flat is typically demised under a long lease, registered with HM Land Registry
Some units may have separate leases for parking bays or storage rooms
Ground rents are generally peppercorn or modest, depending on the block and unit
Fraser Bond can confirm the remaining lease term, review the ground rent escalation clauses, and assess implications for mortgage lending or resale.
In most large-scale developments such as St George Wharf, individual leaseholders cannot buy the freehold. However:
Leaseholders may collectively form or join a Residents’ Management Company (RMC)
They can gain greater control over service charges and block management
In future, leaseholders may qualify for collective enfranchisement under UK leasehold reform legislation
Fraser Bond advises leaseholders on their rights under the Leasehold Reform Act and supports RMC engagement.
All flats in St George Wharf are leasehold, offering long-term tenure but requiring compliance with the leaseholder obligations typical of central London developments. Whether you're buying to live in the flat or letting it as an investment, understanding the leasehold structure is essential for managing costs, responsibilities, and future plans.
Visit FraserBond.com to request a St George Wharf lease review, receive tailored purchase guidance, or speak to a leasehold specialist about your property goals in Vauxhall SW8.
