Leasehold Solicitors

What is Leasehold Property?

Leasehold ownership means you own the right to occupy a property for the duration of a lease, typically a fixed term of between 99 and 999 years. The land on which the property stands are owned by the freeholder. As a leaseholder, you pay ground rent to the freeholder and service charges for the maintenance of shared areas and the building. Most flats in England and Wales are sold on a leasehold basis. See GOV.UK’s guidance on leasehold property for an overview of your rights.

Leasehold Issues Our Solicitors Advise On

Our residential property team advises on the full range of leasehold matters, from straightforward flat purchases to complex management disputes. The areas we cover most frequently include the following.

Buying a Leasehold Property

When buying a leasehold property, we review the full lease to identify any unusual restrictions, onerous ground rent provisions, or issues with the management of the building. We request a management information pack from the freeholder or managing agent covering service charge accounts, building insurance, and any planned major works.

Selling a Leasehold Property

Selling a leasehold property requires additional paperwork including a leasehold information form (TA7) and a management pack from the freeholder or managing agent. We prepare these efficiently and answer the buyer’s enquiries, ensuring the transaction does not stall due to leasehold complexities.

Ground Rent and Service Charges

Ground rent is an annual payment to the freeholder. Since the Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022, ground rent on new leases must be zero. However, many existing leases contain ground rent provisions, including escalating clauses which we advise on carefully. Service charges cover maintenance and building insurance; we review the latest accounts and advise on the financial position of the building.

Lease Restrictions and Permissions

Most leases contain restrictions on use, for example, prohibiting subletting without consent, preventing alterations without a licence, or restricting pets. We identify any restrictions relevant to your intended use and advise on whether a licence to alter or sublet will be required.

Lease Extension and Enfranchisement

We assist leaseholders in extending their lease under the statutory process and in pursuing collective enfranchisement, purchasing the freehold jointly with other leaseholders in the building. See our lease extension solicitors page for detailed information on both routes.

Why Choose Nelsons as Your Conveyancing Solicitors?

Nelsons is one of the largest residential property teams in the East Midlands. We hold the Law Society Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) accreditation, are proud members of the Conveyancing Association, and were named Conveyancing Firm of the Year – Midlands at the LEAP Modern Law Conveyancing Awards 2024. Here is what that means for you in practice.

• Law Society CQS accredited: the recognised quality standard for residential conveyancing
• Conveyancing Firm of the Year: Midlands, LEAP Modern Law Conveyancing Awards 2024
• Member of the Conveyancing Association: committed to industry best-practice standards
• A Named Conveyancer Throughout: You’re assigned a dedicated conveyancer for your transaction, so you always know who to call and aren’t passed between departments.
• Transparent pricing: Fixed fees for complete cost certainty from the outset
• Local Knowledge, Three Office Locations: With offices in Derby, Leicester and Nottingham, we understand the local property markets we work in and offer face-to-face appointments where you’d prefer them to a phone call.
• Innovative Processes: most of the process can now be undertaken electronically including the use of electronic signatures for the Contract and Transfer deed.

Speak to Our Conveyancing Solicitors

Ready to move forward, or want to discuss your situation before committing? Our residential property team in Derby, Leicester and Nottingham is here to help. Get leasehold advice advice today on 0800 024 1976 or via our online enquiry form. No-obligation quotes available.