Resources

Do you need permission to make alterations to your leasehold flat?

August 4, 2021

If you own a leasehold flat or apartment and are thinking about making alterations to your home, it’s important to find out whether you need …

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11 ways to keep your flat cool in summer

July 7, 2021

Most of us have experienced one of those hot summer nights where we just can’t settle, tossing and turning as we swelter in our unbearably …

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Fire safety in blocks of flats – advice for leaseholders

June 9, 2021

Considering that most fires occur in residential dwellings, fire safety in blocks of flats that contain multiple dwellings is an incredibly important topic. A such, …

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6 ways to deal with noisy neighbours in blocks of flats

May 12, 2021

Whether it’s loud music, drilling, dogs barking, or even stomping around and slamming doors, most of us would have experienced some kind of disturbing noise …

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Who pays for the repairs and maintenance of a block of flats?

April 14, 2021

In almost all cases, leaseholders are collectively responsible for paying for the repairs and maintenance of the block in which their flat resides. Freeholders on …

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Should I buy my freehold?

March 17, 2021

Should I buy my freehold? Is a question we’re often asked by leaseholders. But of course, it all depends on what you’re looking to achieve. …

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Two leaseholders in dispute with boxing gloves on

How to settle leaseholder disputes

February 26, 2021

Unfortunately, disputes are very common in the leasehold industry. While people can find it difficult to live peacefully near each other in houses, it’s often …

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blocks of flats looking up to the sky from the ground

Protecting your assets – a guide to building’s insurance for blocks of flats

February 1, 2021

Ensuring that your residential freehold is suitably insured is one of the most important things that you can do. Without building’s insurance, you as the …

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3D home made from puzzle blocks to denote a share of freehold

Share of freehold guide

January 5, 2021

In this share of freehold guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of owning a share of the freehold for the building in which you …

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Guide to party wall agreements

December 8, 2020

When you’re carrying out works to your property in England or Wales that could potentially affect another property, it is essential that you inform all …

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Flying freehold - old cobblestone street

What is a flying freehold?

November 16, 2020

A flying freehold is a freehold property where a section of that property overhangs, extends, or protrudes onto another freehold property or land. This can …

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How to sell a freehold in 8 simple steps With Infographic

October 26, 2020

When it comes to selling any type of property, most sellers desire a quick sale or at the very least, a smooth and hassle-free sale …

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Man investigating leasehold property matters with a magnifying glass

A guide to LPE1 and LPE2 forms for Leasehold Property Enquiries

October 5, 2020

When a leasehold property is being sold, conveyancing solicitors for the buyer will need to undertake a range of investigations/searches on the property. Primarily, these …

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Lease Extensions

What is marriage value?

September 8, 2020

“Marriage value, which is only applicable to leases with less than 80 years remaining, is 50% of the increase in a residential property’s value once …

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Draft Building Safety Bill 2020 explained

August 21, 2020

The draft Building Safety Bill was published on 20th July 2020 to bring forward reforms of the building and fire safety system. This follows an …

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Building additional storeys on top of a block of flats

New permitted development rights for blocks

August 13, 2020

Permitted development rights are a national grant of planning permission, whereby a property owner does not need to apply for planning permission for certain building …

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Freeholder’s guide to health and safety in blocks of flats

August 6, 2020

Health and safety practices in blocks of flats are essential in order to safeguard leaseholders, surrounding neighbours, and of course your property. Blocks of flats …

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What is the Right of First Refusal?

July 14, 2020

The Right of First Refusal, otherwise known as the Right of Pre-emption or First Right of Refusal, is given to qualifying leaseholders when their freeholder …

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Right to Manage

The Law Commission’s quest to reform Right to Manage

June 15, 2020

With the Law Commission’s final report on exercising the Right to Manage set to be published this spring, we could see more freeholders losing control …

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A guide to commonhold

May 15, 2020

Commonhold is the rarest type of property ownership throughout England and Wales. In fact, it’s so uncommon that many people are completely unaware of its …

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Building maintenance taking place on a block of flats

A guide to the Section 20 consultation process

April 16, 2020

As a landlord of a residential freehold, there is a good possibility that you will be required to organise major works. Major works are usually …

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Freeholder with responsibilities holding block of flats in hands

I’m a freeholder – what are my responsibilities?

March 19, 2020

As a freeholder, you own a plot of land and any property or structures that sit upon it. This property may be divided into flats …

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Residential property made out of paper with three stacks of coins to the side

Can you be forced to sell your freehold?

March 2, 2020

Many freeholders may not be aware but under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993, leaseholders are legally entitled to purchase the freehold …

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A row of colourful residential properties containing leasehold flats

A landlord’s guide to enfranchisement and collective enfranchisement

February 7, 2020

If you’re a freeholder of a residential property or a building containing two or more flats, you’ll need to be aware of enfranchisement and collective …

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Leasehold enfranchisement valuation reform “options” proposed by Law Commission

January 17, 2020

On 9th January 2020, the Law Commission for England and Wales published their greatly anticipated report on leasehold enfranchisement valuation reform. The report proposes options …

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Auction hammer used in a freehold ground rent sale

How to auction freehold ground rents

January 7, 2020

To auction freehold ground rents, you’ll need to meticulously follow a number of rules and procedures. These are set out in Section 5B of the …

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I’ve inherited a freehold: can I sell it?

December 6, 2019

Inheriting a property is usually something that people dream of happening to them. But if you’ve inherited a freehold property, it’s a completely different kettle …

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Infographic – Do you qualify for the Right of First Refusal

November 15, 2019

Understanding the numerous legalities and procedures involved with selling a residential freehold can be incredibly challenging, even for those experienced in the freehold industry. And …

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8 Winter maintenance tips for freehold properties

October 24, 2019

Winters in the United Kingdom are undeniably unpredictable, but we can usually expect to experience fierce storms, freezing temperatures and snow on at least a …

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Lease Extensions

Lease extension guide for leaseholders

October 3, 2019

If you’re thinking of buying a leasehold flat or already own one, this lease extension guide is an ideal read for you. Understanding lease extensions …

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Buying a freehold with leasehold properties? Here’s what you need to know.

September 10, 2019

If you’re thinking about buying a freehold with leasehold properties, there’s a lot you need to take into consideration. Owning this type of freehold property …

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What is peppercorn ground rent?

August 22, 2019

The Oxford dictionary defines peppercorn rent as “a very low or nominal rent”[i]. But just how low is low? And why is it called peppercorn …

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Selling ground rents – A simple guide for developers

July 31, 2019

Whenever flats are built, whether that be in a purpose-built block or through a house conversion, an opportunity for selling ground rents will arise. Developers …

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What happens when you do not comply with the Right of First Refusal?

July 17, 2019

The Right of First Refusal in residential property matters provides leaseholders with the contractual right to be offered the opportunity to purchase the freehold of …

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Block of flats in England with green glass balconies set against a blue sky

Price of flats falling in England

July 3, 2019

According to government statistics, the price of flats has fallen in England since last year. While this could be seen as an ideal opportunity for …

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Miniature, wooden block home sitting on grassed ground

How much should ground rent be?

June 19, 2019

An update on leasehold reform The way that ground rent is calculated, reviewed and collected has changed dramatically over the last 100 years. What was …

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8 Tips for Selling Freehold Ground Rents

June 5, 2019

Selling freehold ground rents can be a daunting task but with the many arduous responsibilities that come with owning a freehold, it’s no wonder that …

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Three stacks of coins on the ground, escalating in height

Tenant not paying ground rent? Here are five things you can do

May 29, 2019

As a freeholder, one of the most challenging and frustrating tasks that we can face is dealing with difficult tenants. From disturbing neighbours to illegal …

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Freeholder jumping up in celebration after successfully organising maintenance and major works

How to successfully organise maintenance & major works

May 22, 2019

Maintenance and repair work is an inevitability when it comes to property. Without these works, our buildings would deteriorate, diminish in value, and could potentially …

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Section 20 Notice template for major works with a pen, ready for signing

New for freeholders: Free Notice templates & services

May 15, 2019

Freehold Sale is now offering a range of Notice solutions to freeholders who require support with Sections 3, 20 and 166 of the Landlord and …

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Landlord holding a key with a property keyring

Right to Manage

A landlord’s guide to Right to Manage

July 12, 2018

If you’re the landlord of a property that contains two or more flats, where your tenants have long leases, you need to be aware of …

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External view of the Houses of Parliament

UK government clamps down on onerous lease terms & leasehold houses

April 9, 2018

In 2017, the ground rent scandal exploded across UK media. It exposed the onerous clauses that developers had inserted into leasehold contracts, in some cases …

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Right of First Refusal guide

September 14, 2017

If you’re looking into selling the freehold of a property that contains flats, you need to know about the Right of First Refusal (ROFR). The …

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Row of colourful residential properties in the UK

How much confidence do you have in the UK property market?

February 20, 2017

2016 was a time of uncertainty for homebuyers. The UK property market saw significant influences from factors such as the recent stamp duty reforms and …

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Freehold 101: Everything you need to know about freehold properties [Infographic]

September 15, 2016

There has never been a livelier time for property investment than today. Quick exchanges between buyers and sellers, rising market costs, plus the hunt for …

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Union Jack flag with London's Expected House Price Gain written over the top

London’s expected house price gain – Infographic

February 3, 2016

London is an exciting place to live. Pick the right borough and you can enjoy the best of both worlds – the buzz of the …

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Replica, miniature blocks of flats in England and Wales made out of porcelain

Flat price index – England and Wales

September 17, 2015

Property prices change all of the time, hence, if you are thinking about buying or selling, it makes sense to keep an eye on the …

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Converted brick built property containing leasehold flats owned and managed by a freeholder

Can I buy my freehold?

July 23, 2015

A freehold agreement indicates absolute ownership of a piece of land and any property which is situated upon it. Most houses are purchased on a …

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Block of brick-built flats where the freehold interest is for sale by the freeholder

How long does it take to sell a freehold?

June 29, 2015

Whether you’ve recently inherited a freehold, or you’ve been a freeholder for decades, you have decided to sell it. Working with a specialist freehold company …

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Row of residential properties with political signs in the windows

How property proprietors and political policies impact each other

May 5, 2015

In one corner, Russell Brand was previously advising young people disillusioned with politics not to vote; in the other, millions of young people are desperately …

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Illustrated Freehold and leasehold properties in a star shape

Freehold vs Leasehold

April 20, 2015

The team at Freehold Sale speaks with freeholders and leaseholders on a daily basis. Worryingly, we often find that many of them don’t fully understand …

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Keys to a newly bought leasehold property with a heart keyring

Buying a leasehold property – What you need to know

April 15, 2015

The number of people buying leasehold properties has risen dramatically over recent years, yet some lack knowledge about how leaseholds actually work. There are many …

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old terrace properties containing leasehold flats with a freehold for sale

Top ten tips for freehold sellers

April 7, 2015

Fed up with the constant management of a freehold? Tired of chasing ground rent payments? Unable to commit the time required for this responsibility? Do …

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Stacks of British pound coins escalating in height

London’s housing boom In 2014 – Infographic

August 20, 2014

I have been in the property business for many years. From being a small investor, running a chain of estate agents to being a portfolio landlord, …

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