Advice for Leasehold Issues

We help both landlords or lessees of residential properties gain the valuation reports and advice they need to comply with the latest leasehold legislation matters. 

This area of property law is prone to change and, as Chartered Surveyors and RICS Registered Valuers, we follow and incorporate all the latest developments in our advice.

Our guidance is given in practical terms so our clients both fully understand and can comply with their obligations. We help in a couple of ways…

Lease extensions

Here we work alongside a solicitor (either one our client has sourced, or we can recommend specialist legal advisers in this field), to provide the valuation advice and reports required.

We also negotiate with the opposing side’s valuer, so the premium payable for the lease extension can be agreed between both parties. In doing so, we are highly experienced in following the statutory timetable allocated to this claims process by law.

We have worked for both landlords or tenants in cases and are frequently referred valuation work in this area by specialist lawyers. Where required, we are also experienced at giving Expert Witness statements at Tribunal.

Collective enfranchisement

If the lessees, property, and their leases comply with specific criteria, they can form a group with their fellow lessees in the property and use the existing legislation to compel the landlord to sell the Freehold of the building to them.

There is a rigorous legal process for lessees to make the claim and the rules are complex. We always recommend clients considering collective enfranchisement, or in receipt of a claim from their tenants, bring in specialist legal advice. We can recommend specialists in this area where required.

For collective enfranchisement cases, we work with either the lessees or the landlord in the following ways:

• Giving initial advice and guidance before the process begins
• Providing a valuation and guidance on what they can expect to pay or receive under the Act – including a worse-case and best-case scenario
• Working with their solicitor who in turn will manage the process and ensure it follows the statutory timetable (particularly if there are multiple lessees involved)
• Providing expert opinion for the Tribunal where needed

Find out more

There are currently Government consultations in place which will affect leasehold arrangements in future. For guidance on the latest position, or to discuss a valuation for a leasehold matter, please do get in touch.