[holding answer 31 January 2008]: The property is held on leases to 2053 from a superior tenant. The Department is not aware of any changes to leasehold extension rights by the freeholder.
(2) pursuant to the answer of 18 February 2008, Official Report, column 455W, on official residences, what the timetable is for producing the home information pack for the sale of South Eaton Place.
The appointed selling agents, Savills UK (Sloane Street branch), are preparing advice on the best method of sale of the Home Secretary's former residence. This requires completion of relevant market research and pre-disposal due diligence. Once completed the Department will consider Savills' report and recommendations for successful disposal but as it is likely to be commercially confidential it is unlikely that it can be placed in the Library. The home information pack will be produced when the residence is placed on the market.
The freehold is owned by Grosvenor and is part of Grosvenor London Estate.
The right hon. Member for Sheffield, Brightside (Mr. Blunkett) moved into the residence at South Eaton Place in the summer of 1997 and moved out in March 2006.
Excluding security-related decommissioning, costs of £4,500 have been incurred since March 2006.
The Department's leasehold interest in this property was most recently valued at £2.4 million.