Enfranchisement is a legal transaction whereby the leaseholder can purchase the freehold of their property. It is a right provided by the Leasehold reform Act of 1967, subsequently amended in 2002 under the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act.
HM Land Registry provides a series of guides explaining the process.
Do I qualify for Enfranchisement?
There are a number of criteria relating to the property and the tenant which must be met. If you are unsure of your rights, you can look for a London law firm such as London law firm, who will be able to advise you.
Does my property qualify?
If your property can be considered a house, divided in a vertical manner from an adjoining house, it will be a suitable dwelling. Even if the property has subsequently been divided into flats, as long as the leaseholder owns a lease for the entire house, it still qualifies. Even some commercial properties are appropriate, say where a flat exists above a shop for example.
Do I qualify?
You need to take a look at your lease to see if you are an appropriate leaseholder. You should have a lease in which the original term was lengthy, a minimum of 21 years, and it should include your right to renew the lease. You must also have been the leaseholder for a period covering the last two years.
If the leaseholder is deceased, personal representatives can also apply for the enfranchisement once probate has been granted, provided they do so within two years of that date, or by acquiring a letter of administration.
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