Enfranchisement

The Leasehold Reform Act 1967, in its various forms, allows Tenants (or leaseholders) of long leasehold residential property to acquire lease extensions and acquire the freeholds of houses (ie. to enfranchise). Since the introduction of the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002, the opportunity for a Tenant to buy their residential freehold and acquire a lease extension of an additional 90 years is even more readily available.

We have specialist knowledge of all these matters. Justin Bennett was the surveyor representing the Tenant in the leading case of Willingale v Globalgrange Limited [2000] 2 EGLR 55, relating to the price payable for the acquisition of the freehold.

We are able to act throughout the United Kingdom, but have particular expertise in Greater London. We have acted against most of the major central London estates including the Cadogan, Church Commissioners, The Crown, Grosvenor, Howard de Walden, Portman and Sloane Stanley Estates.

Outside of Central London we tend to act (although not exclusively) on behalf of large portfolio Clients, particularly in the South East. We have also been called to act as joint expert in mediation between Landlords and Tenants on a number of occasions.

We aim to take a proactive and efficient approach to achieve the best results for our clients and endeavor, wherever possible, to avoid the expense of proceeding to Leasehold Valuation Tribunal or Lands Tribunal. However, when that is necessary we have considerable experience in presenting evidence at Tribunal, both as Expert Witness and as advocate, where cases do not warrant the expense of solicitors or barristers.

Contacts
For advice, contact Justin Bennett: jlb@lbb.org.uk

Related Information and Articles
Buying the Freehold of Your Block – by Justin Bennett
Enfranchisement: In the beginning – Get proper advice – by Justin Bennett