Leasehold enfranchisement

Leasehold enfranchisement is a niche and complex area of property law which requires specialist knowledge and can present opportunities to enhance property value. We have many years’ experience of advising both landlords and leaseholders, (including individuals, companies, developers, and housing providers) on a wide range of leasehold issues including:

• Statutory lease extensions of flats under LRHUDA 1993;

• Voluntary lease extensions;

• Collective enfranchisement claims (purchasing the freehold);

• Freehold disposals under the LTA 1967;

• Right to manage;

• Statutory lease extensions of houses under LRA 1967;

• Court claims and claims in the First-Tier Property Tribunal.

The Property Disputes team works closely with the Real Estate and Residential teams on all aspects of the process including preparation and service of notices, obtaining valuation advice from expert valuers, preparing participation agreements, draft leases and transfers of land, and dealing with completion at the Land Registry. Where necessary, we prepare and file Court or Tribunal proceedings and, where necessary, work with specialist Counsel.

The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024, and the draft Commonhold Reform Bill propose significant changes to enfranchisement and, although, implementation of the major reforms was never likely to be a quick process due to the complexity of the existing regime, we are able to assist you with any long leasehold query which you have.