Collective Enfranchisement of Blocks of Flats
Subject to qualification, the leaseholders of flats are also entitled to compulsory buy the freehold of their block of flats from their freeholder. There are a number of qualifying requirements, a summary, but not inclusive list, is as follows:
1. In order to participate in an enfranchisement the leaseholder’s lease must originally have been for more than 21 years (a long lease). To qualify the leaseholder must have registered ownership at the Land Registry. A single day would suffice. At least two thirds of the flats must be held by qualifying tenants.
2. Less than 25% of the building (if applicable) should be commercial.
3. The building must be self-contained and structurally detached, or a part of the building capable of being detached.
4. In order to proceed at least 50% of leaseholders must participate.
There can be complications and exemptions where, for example, there is a resident landlord or three or more flats are held by one individual. However with structured and carefully planned advice obstacles can be overcome in many cases.
We are able to act throughout the UK, but have particular expertise in prime central London. We have acted against most of the major estates, such as Bedford, Cadogan, Cambridge, Church Commissioners, The Crown, Eton, Eyre, Grosvenor, Howard de Walden, John Lyon, Myron Wilson, Portman and Sloane Stanley Estates. We regularly provide expert advice in proceedings at the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal (LVT) and at Court.
We also act regularly in suburban South London, particularly in Croydon and Sutton. We also service the corridor between these areas and the South Coast, in places such as Brighton, Lewes and Hastings. In suburban areas we often act for tenants against Freshwater.
Contacts
Justin Bennett: jlb@lbb.org.uk
- Look at our published articles on Leasehold Enfranchisement
- More detailed advice and a “rough guide” premium calculator can be found at www.leaseholdenfranchisement.co.uk
