Hundreds of Pimlico homes to be sold off by Crown Estate - Buyer found for four estates

Published: 10 September 2010
by  JAMIE WELHAM

THE future of hundreds of affordable homes in Pimlico owned by the Crown Estate has become clearer this week after it emerged a buyer has been found.

The identity of the new landlord of the houses in Millbank and three other estates across London is not expected to be revealed until mid-autumn.

A consultation has been held with residents, many of whom have fiercely opposed the sale because of fears over rent hikes and the ending of secure tenancies.

The Crown Estate said the buyer has met rigid conditions, including the policy of letting to key workers, and will press ahead with a second round of consultation.

The Crown Estate says the sale must go ahead because it has a legal duty to “maximise assets” on behalf of the government.

Sir Stuart Hampson, chairman of the Crown Estate, said: “If after further consultation with residents and stakeholders the board makes a decision to sell, these estates will continue to play an important role in the provision of key worker accommodation in London.”