As a Residents Association, we do not have direct control over the decisions made in South Gardens or Elephant Park. These are made by the freeholder and managing agent.
However, we do hold regular meetings with the managing agent where we try to voice the views and concerns of residents. If you have an inquiry or issue, please contact us to see how we can help.
Freeholder (Lendlease)
The freeholder is the person or company that owns the land and buildings outright and forever. They have ultimate control over the property and are responsible for maintaining the structure, common areas, and services such as roofs, exterior walls, and shared hallways.
Freeholders may directly manage the property or delegate this responsibility to a managing agent. They collect ground rent and service charges from leaseholders and ensure compliance with the terms of the lease agreements.
The freeholder for South Gardens and the wider Elephant Park development is Lendlease, the developer.
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Managing agent (Savills)
A managing agent is a professional or company appointed by the freeholder to oversee the day-to-day management of the property. They act on behalf of and in the interests of the freeholder.
Their responsibilities include arranging maintenance, ensuring compliance with legal requirements such as fire safety, managing budgets and service charges and addressing leaseholder concerns. Managing agents act on behalf of the freeholder.
The managing agent for South Gardens and the wider Elephant Park development is Savills, who were appointed in 2022.
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Residents Association
A residents’ association is a group formed by leaseholders to represent their collective interests. While they don’t have legal control unless granted through specific arrangements (like right-to-manage companies), they may influence decisions regarding property maintenance, service charge budgets, or communal improvements.
We are the Residents Association for South Gardens.
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Residents (leaseholders)
Leaseholders are individuals that own a lease agreement granting them (you!) the right to occupy and use a flat within the building for a specified period (e.g. 125 years).
Their responsibilities include paying ground rent, service charges, and contributions to repairs or maintenance as specified in the lease. They are also obligated to adhere to the lease terms, which might cover renovations, subletting, or property use restrictions. Leaseholders depend on the freeholder or managing agent to ensure proper maintenance of shared areas and building structure.
South Gardens Residents' Association 