If you’re a leaseholder in a flat, understanding your rights under Section 20 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 is key, especially when it comes to costly building maintenance. Section 20 sets out legal consultation requirements that landlords must follow before carrying out major works. These rules are in place to protect leaseholders from […]
The powers and rights of freeholders and leaseholders living in leasehold flats are currently not equally balanced. While freeholders have a right to carry out major repairs to the building, or to make changes to communal areas such as staircases or gardens, or to increase the amount of ground rent leaseholders have to pay, leaseholders […]
With all the talk around Freehold and Leasehold Reform throughout 2024, you might be wondering if freehold purchase legislation has changed or is changing. Fret not, we’re on top of it. We’re always keeping an eye on and contributing to the state of freehold purchase law in the UK, because that’s what we do – […]
If you’re a flat leaseholder looking for a lease extension, there’s one question that’s probably on your mind: can your landlord refuse to extend your lease? The short legal answer is no — but the honest, practical answer is that a freeholder who cannot lawfully refuse can still make saying yes very expensive. In 12+ […]
Leaseholders have a bunch of rights and responsibilities when it comes to their leasehold property. These are set out in the lease agreement and by law – and they can make a real difference to how you enjoy your home and deal with the issues that come up. Here’s the lowdown on the key rights […]
As we hit 2026, a few key property trends are becoming pretty clear, with the big shift being a change in demand for freehold homes – largely driven by changes in the rules around leasehold properties, plus a growing push for more transparency in property deals. For people buying property, these numbers give you a […]
Ground rent is a periodic payment made by leaseholders to the freeholder as part of their lease agreement. While many ground rents are manageable, some can be considered “onerous” due to being excessive, having frequent increases, or complex terms that create financial strain for leaseholders. Understanding onerous ground rent is vital for property owners and […]
Collective enfranchisement can be a real minefield, with all sorts of legal and financial complications to deal with. And making matters worse is the Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) – a chunky tax that’s often a major hurdle for leaseholders who want to take the plunge and buy the freehold. This tax can add a […]
The King’s speech promises sweeping reforms to the 400 year old home-ownership landscape for future generations, but what does all this really mean for ordinary home owners today – and should they really put their freehold purchase plans on hold?
Buying a freehold property is a big deal, and understanding solicitor fees is a crucial part of the process. These fees are way more than just a bunch of numbers on an invoice – they’re the cost of making sure everything is above board, your interests are protected, and the whole thing runs smoothly.
