Enfranchising a house
Feel assured in buying your property's freehold.
If you own a leasehold house, you’re entitled to buy the freehold under the Leasehold Reform Act of 1967.
We’ll 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’ll carry out a full and detailed valuation report, so you have an accurate assessment of the property’s market value.
Personalised negotiations
We’ll negotiate with your best interests in mind so you pay a competitive price to own your freehold.
Expert solicitors
We’ll recommend experienced solicitors and liaise with them throughout to ensure a smooth transaction.
Frequently asked questions
- 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
- Instruct a solicitor to advise on the correct valuation basis — 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’d 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’t 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.
