Thank you, Pugwash,dimples,ElliotW,SpringTime for sharing the cases and advice with me. As a first time buyer, the process of purchasing a flat is daunting though, this whole LEASEHOLD made me think of the real "homeownership". One of the solicitors we contacted refused to take our case as below. "I?ve never come across a situation before where I have seen them (the council) do this. I am not entirely sure that the council would be open to this." Getting consent on every small alternation inside of my own flat such as installing shelves (?110), removing cupboards(?110), or replacing new kitchen appliances ((?45) costs administration fees. This is not real ownership I think. Most leaseholders would not afford Freehold properties. Then the leasehold has to take the onerous responsibilities paying the extra cost for enjoying the homeownership. We keep contacting solicitors and council officers. I hope we could find a way to purchase the freehold from the Southwark council to be responsible for my own property and my community. Any thoughts greatly appreciated!