Until the early 1970's almost all the flats in Maida Vale were rented. Many of these, including Lauderdale, were part of the "Key Flats" empire.

By the late 1970's tenants were seeking to take control of their properties rather than pay the higher rents being demanded. In 1981 the Church Commissioners decided to sell off their Maida Vale Estate.

The move from rental to ownership has continued and today the majority of flats are owner-occupied.

This brief history of Maida Vale has been extracted from "Dial M for Maida Vale" by Kevin O'Sullivan (ISBN 1 900893 08 8). His book provides much insight on the history of the area and includes the BBC Studios, more detail on Little Venice and talks about a number of famous residents.