What our leasehold enfranchisement solicitors can help with
Freehold enfranchisement is a process that allows leaseholders to purchase the freehold of their property, allowing greater control over its management. Our team of expert leasehold enfranchisement lawyers can help you with:
Buying the freehold for a flat block (collective enfranchisement) | Our solicitors can help in situations where leaseholders want to club together to buy the freehold for their flat block. This is known as collective enfranchisement. It gives leaseholders several benefits, including longer leases and in certain circumstances no ground rent. |
Right to manage claims | When leaseholders want greater control of their building’s management, they can make right to manage claims. This is a legal process where leaseholders can assume the right to take over the management of a building from a leaseholder. |
Rights of first refusal | Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987, landlords are legally obliged to offer leaseholders the option to buy their property’s leasehold before offering it to a third party. Our solicitors can help by advising leaseholders on whether rights of first refusal apply, assisting with offer notices, working with valuation firms and more. |
Court and tribunal proceedings | The First-Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) court is where freeholders and leaseholders resolve enfranchisement disputes. Our leasehold enfranchisement solicitors can represent leaseholders in legal battles with advice and court representation if Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) such as negotiation and mediation fail. |
Lease extensions for houses or flats | Our network of solicitors can also guide you through the process of extending a lease. For example, they can help in negotiating an extension with the landlord to coincide with a sale. |
How leasehold enfranchisement lawyers can help with disputes
Leasehold enfranchisement can be a complex area of law and disputes can arise. Our property solicitors are on hand to guide you through the pitfalls and advise you on common disputes. Some of the most common conflicts include:
Valuation disputes: An initial valuation of the property by a qualified valuer is essential, though this isn't always an exact science. Your solicitor can assist in handling disputes over the valuation through negotiation and mediation.
Service charge disputes: Disputes may arise when it comes to settling service charge or ground rent payments. The freeholder may expect payments for services, repairs, maintenance or insurance as specified under the existing lease.
Challenges to eligibility: Solicitors can advise when there are disputes over the eligibility of the leaseholders or the property for enfranchisement. They can advise on your suitability for enfranchisement, such as by confirming if at least two-thirds of the leaseholders in a building are qualified tenants.
Timeline disputes: Occasionally, there are instances when the freeholder might put pressure on leaseholders to force a transaction. Your solicitor can guide you on appropriate timelines and if this freeholder's request is lawful.
Why choose Lawhive for a freehold enfranchisement solicitor?
We're not like your typical law firm. We have a network of licensed solicitors and can pair you with the right expert for your case. Below are just a few of the reasons why you might like Lawhive:
Experts in property law: Our team of solicitors are a dab hand in property law. They understand the full collective enfranchisement process and can help you make a decision that's practical and cost-effective.
Transparent pricing: We'll provide you with an instant fixed-fee quote for your case. There's no obligation to commit and no paying by the hour.
Cheaper on average: Typically, a Lawhive solicitor can be up to 50% cheaper than a traditional law firm. You'll get the same level of experience and quality legal advice, for less.
Costs and legal fees involved
Every collective enfranchisement case will be unique and the average costs can vary widely. However, you can still expect typical leasehold enfranchisement solicitor fees, these include:
Standard legal fees: This includes the preparation and review of contracts and for handling negotiations.
Valuation and survey costs: You will have to pay costs to obtain a professional valuation of the freehold and any survey fees that may be required during the purchase process.
Disputes: Disputes can create additional legal costs that will be difficult to predict, especially if you go to a tribunal.
Ongoing costs: Leaseholders that acquire their building’s freehold may have to pay costs for maintenance of communal areas and have property management responsibilities.