Collective Enfranchisement
- About Us
Unlocking the Power of Collective Enfranchisement: Your Guide to Freehold Acquisition
Are you part of a group of leaseholders looking to take control of your property’s destiny? Collective enfranchisement, often referred to as freehold acquisition, is the key to this empowerment. It’s a specialised process that is part legal and part project management, and we’re here to guide you through it.
With our extensive expertise in property law, we stand out from the crowd, ready to assist you every step of the way.
What Is Collective Enfranchisement?
Collective enfranchisement, also known as freehold acquisition, is a group endeavour in which multiple leaseholders in a building come together to purchase the freehold of the building containing their flats. This process allows you to take control of your property’s future, giving you more say in its management, maintenance and the service charge account. However, it’s essential to note that collective enfranchisement is a highly technical and specialised process that requires expert guidance. That’s where we come in.
Understanding the Requirements and Benefits
The requirements and benefits of collective enfranchisement can be quite extensive. To get a full understanding of this process, you can contact us using the details below to request our detailed guide which will answer many of the questions the group will have as to the process, timing and costs.
This guide provides a detailed summary of the process, making it a valuable resource for leaseholders considering freehold acquisition.
Personalised Assistance for Your Unique Case
We understand that every case and property is unique, and we always take care to identify and address the specific technical points relevant to your situation. Whether you’re a part of a small group of leaseholders or a larger association, our team is equipped to assist you in your journey to buy the freehold and realist the benefits of managing your own building.
We will ask for one or two members of the group to be appointed as spokesperson, in order to collate queries and reduce the costs of the group. This is an important role and should be taken up by someone who is a good communicator and able to see the process through to the end.
Our Expertise Sets Us Apart
Our team collectively boasts over 25 years of experience in handling collective enfranchisement cases. We’re well-versed in every aspect of the process, from initial consultation to successful completion. We understand the complexities involved and can provide practical guidance and assistance to ensure your case maintains momentum.
At Bate and Albon, you will have access to a team that handles solely Landlord and Tenant work, day in, day out. We are also able to put you in touch with our complimentary team of conveyancers if the purchase of the freehold will overlap with the sale or remortgage of your property, ensuring that the processes run smoothly alongside each other.
How We Can Help You Achieve Freehold Acquisition.
Our services include:
Initial Consultation: We offer advice on whether your building qualifies for collective enfranchisement, looking at the nature of the building and the number of leasehold flats. Our expertise in this area ensures that you receive accurate guidance right from the start.
Legal Title Review: We check and report on the legal title of your property, providing valuable insights for your surveyor to consider.
Valuation Advice: We assist you with finding an expert valuer who will guide you on both the freehold price and who will handle negotiations on your behalf with the landlords surveyor.
Participation Agreement: We provide advice on, and if necessary, draft a “participation agreement” that outlines how the collective enfranchisement costs will be shared among the participants. Clarity on cost-sharing is vital for a smooth process.
Residents’ management company: We will organise the setting up of a limited company to own the freehold on behalf of the leaseholders. Each flat owner/s will be granted one share in the company and its articles of association will be relevant to a residents owned and run building.
Notice Drafting and Serving: We take care of drafting and serving the necessary notices, ensuring that all legal requirements are met and that you are advised of the relevant statutory timelines throughout the process, as dictated by leasehold reform legislation.
Dispute Resolution: If disputes arise about the value of the freehold or conveyancing of it, we can refer them, when necessary, to the First Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for resolution.
Registration: We will handle the registration of your purchase at the Land Registry
999-year leases: We will handle the extension of the leases of participating flat owners to 999 years on completion of the freehold purchase
On going support: As clients of the firm, you can draw on our expertise to assist you in the new management of your building, whether this is handling Deeds of Covenant, LPE1 forms, Notices of
Assignment, Deeds of Variation or Landlords Certificates under the Building Safety Act 2022. We can assist with all things leasehold and freehold, and ensure you get off on the right foot with the building management.
- Where are we?
Commercial Property Solicitors in Brighton, Chichester, Eastbourne & Worthing
As a firm based in in East and West Sussex, Bate & Albon are specialists in our local property landscape. We make it a priority that you and both parties receive full clarity and premium service when it comes to business premises and commercial property. Our highly professional team of legal experts ensure that you and your property are in safe hands.
Looking for a solicitor to help you with your property? Contact Carl Bate to see how we can help you with your matter.