Enfranchising a house
Enfranchising a house
Feel assured in buying your property's freehold.
If you own a leasehold house, you鈥檙e entitled to buy the freehold under the Leasehold Reform Act of 1967.
We鈥檒l give you expert advice to simplify the enfranchisement process and ensure your ground rent is cleared when you hold the freehold title.
KEY CONTACT
Why consult with us on your freehold purchase
Comprehensive valuations
We鈥檒l carry out a full and detailed valuation report, so you have an accurate assessment of the property鈥檚 market value.
Personalised negotiations
We鈥檒l negotiate with your best interests in mind so you pay a competitive price to own your freehold.
Expert solicitors
We鈥檒l recommend experienced solicitors and liaise with them throughout to ensure a smooth transaction.
Frequently asked questions
How do I qualify to enfranchise a house?
- There are criteria for the building, the lease and the leaseholder.
- The building
- Must be reasonably considered a house and have a vertical division
- Can still qualify for enfranchisement if it was a house but has been converted into flats or commercial use
- The lease
- Originally must have been granted for a minimum of 21 years
- The leaseholder
- Must have owned the property for a minimum of 2 years
What is the process for buying a house's freehold?
- Instruct a solicitor to advise on the correct valuation basis 鈥� either Section 9(1), 9(1A) or 9(1C).
- After the basis is confirmed, instruct a valuer to carry out a full property valuation. The valuation report determines the price you鈥檇 expect to pay to buy the freehold and a lower figure for commencing negotiations.
- Your solicitor will serve the relevant notice to the freeholder and start the enfranchisement process.
- Within two months of serving the notice, the freeholder can respond with a notice in reply. If not, the freeholder isn鈥檛 in breach of the legislation and you can still negotiate the price.
- There are no set time frames for negotiations, but an application can be made to the First Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for determination.
