Leasehold enfranchisement gives leaseholders (tenants) a range of important rights, including extending their lease, buying the freehold or taking over the management of their building. At Grant Saw Solicitors, based in Greenwich and Blackheath, our specialist leasehold enfranchisement lawyers advise clients across London and the South East on all aspects of leasehold law.
Our leasehold enfranchisement services
We provide expert advice to leaseholders, landlords and groups of tenants on matters including:
Lease extensions
We act for tenants making statutory and voluntary lease extensions under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993, and for landlords responding to lease extension applications.
Purchase of freehold of leasehold houses
We assist qualifying tenants of leasehold houses under the Leasehold Reform Act 1967, enabling them to buy the freehold of their leasehold houses. We also act for landlords responding to applications to buy the freehold.
Collective enfranchisement
We represent groups of leaseholders of flats looking to jointly purchase the freehold of their building under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 (the 1993 Act). We also act for landlords responding to applications to purchase the freehold.
Right of first refusal (RFR)
Where a landlord plans to sell the building or part of it, we advise tenants on exercising their right of first refusal under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987 (the 1987 Act) and we advise landlords in relation to this.
Right to manage (RTM)
We help tenants exercise their statutory right to manage under the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002, giving them control over repairs, maintenance and service charges. We also advise landlord regarding right to manage claims.
What is collective enfranchisement?
Collective enfranchisement allows qualifying leaseholders to collectively acquire the freehold of their building. To be eligible:
- At least two-thirds of the flats must be owned by qualifying leaseholders.
- The building must be self-contained or capable of vertical division.
- No more than 25% of the floor area of the building may be non-residential.
- At least half of all qualifying leaseholders must participate in the claim.
A qualifying lease must have originally been granted for 21 years or more, and qualifying leaseholders cannot own more than two flats in the same building.
Do I need leasehold enfranchisement solicitors?
Yes. The valuation process and statutory procedures for lease extensions and purchases of freeholds are highly technical, involving strict deadlines and legal notices.
A specialist solicitor will:
- Prepare and serve the relevant notices.
- Review and respond to notices.
- Prepare a participation agreement for a freehold purchase.
- Set up a company for a freehold purchase.
- Negotiate the terms of the documents to be signed.
- Manage all statutory deadlines.
- Ensure compliance with the 1993 Act or the 1987 Act where appropriate.
- Prepare a valuation.
- Negotiate the premium.
A specialist valuation surveyor will:
Professional representation significantly increases your likelihood of achieving favourable terms.
How long does leasehold enfranchisement take?
The timescale depends on whether you pursue a voluntary or statutory route:
Voluntary lease extension and voluntary purchase of the freehold
- No strict deadlines.
- Timeline depends on responsiveness of the landlord and the leaseholders.
- Completion of a lease extension typically takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks once terms are agreed.
- Completion of a freehold purchase typically takes approximately 8 weeks once terms are agreed.
Statutory lease extension
- More structured and cannot be delayed.
- Typically takes around approximately 9 to 12 months.
Why choose Grant Saw Solicitors?
- Specialist enfranchisement lawyers with extensive London market experience.
- Skilled negotiators accustomed to dealing with freeholders and managing agents.
- Strong relationships with expert valuation surveyors.
- Offices in Greenwich and Blackheath, serving clients across London and the South East.
We guide clients through every stage of the leasehold enfranchisement process with clarity, efficiency and practical advice.
Contact our London leasehold enfranchisement solicitors
If you would like to discuss lease extensions, freehold purchases or right to manage we are here to help.
If you would like to discuss leasehold enfranchisement in London or further afield, please email us or call us on 020 8858 6971.
