What is Freehold Buying/Enfranchisement?

Collective Enfranchisement is the right to buy the freehold of a block of flats from the freeholder, providing eligibility is met.

The process has been possible since the introduction of the Leasehold Reform Housing & Urban Development Act 1993 (as amended) and it is growing in popularity as leaseholders become more aware of the benefits associated with acquiring the freehold of their building.

While the idea may be simple in principle, the process can often be complex.

Undertaking Collective Enfranchisement is a big step, so leaseholders would be well advised to seek out the help of Solicitors and Surveyors if they decide to go ahead and stake a claim for the freehold of their block. 

 

What are the Benefits of Enfranchisement?

There are many advantages to Collective Enfranchisement, but the key one for many leaseholders will be the ability to grant themselves longer leases with a peppercorn ground rent. Extending the lease of your property will help boost its value, so it’s easy to see why gaining control over the lease is so attractive, but the benefits don’t end there.

Collective Enfranchisement also gives leaseholders greater flexibility over the day-to-day running of the block as well. Things such as how the building is managed will be under their control, which means they will be free to choose their own contractors and management company rather than have these third parties imposed upon them by the freeholder.

Similarly, things such as the decision over who insures the block will also be under the control of the leaseholders should they acquire the freehold of the property. Therefore, owning a share of freehold could result in lower costs for repairs and maintenance for each participating individual.

 

What are the Eligibility Requirements when Buying the Freehold?

As one would imagine, there are some eligibility requirements that need to be met before you are able to proceed with Collective Enfranchisement. The basic criteria is as follows:-

  • At least two thirds of the flats within the block must be owned by qualifying tenants. In other words, tenants who were initially granted leases of 21 years or more.
  • The building in question must not be used for any more than 25% non-residential purposes.
  • The block of flats must be self-contained (although there is a possibility of eligibility should the change to self-containment be easy to achieve).
  • At least half of the flats within the block must agree to Collective Enfranchisement. Blocks with only two flats require agreement from both to proceed.
  • Leaseholders who own three or more properties within the block will not be able to participate.

 

What is the Basic Process of Enfranchisement?

In order for leaseholders to purchase the freehold of their block a procedure must be adhered to. The basic outline of the process is as follows:-

  • Information notice to be served to the Freeholder who will then have 28 days to respond
  • Section 13 Notice served on the Freeholder by the Nominee Purchaser
  • Landlord has 2 months to respond to the notice and can also request additional information within 21 days of the notice being served
  • Counter-Notice served by Freeholder within 2 months of receiving the Section 13 Notice
  • If two months passes without a Counter-Notice being served, the Nominee Purchaser must apply to the County Court within six months
  • If a Counter-Notice is received, the Freeholder and Nominee Purchaser have six months to negotiate
  • If negotiations fail, either the Nominee Purchaser or the Freeholder can apply to the First Tier Tribunal within six months of the Counter-Notice being received
  • Premium agreed and freehold is purchased.

 

Why Instruct PA Surveyors?

PA Surveyors have expert experience in undertaking collective enfranchisement, to include the valuation and any negotiation aspects. Our professional manner helps to ensure the process is completed as quick and efficiently as possible, whilst obtaining the best possible premium.

Our RICS Chartered Surveyors operate throughout East & West Sussex; to include Brighton, Hove, Portslade & Shoreham, as well as Crawley, Haywards Heath, Eastbourne and beyond. Our Award Winning Surveyors are here to help!

Please contact us to obtain further free advice and a no obligation quotation.