Leasehold & Collective Enfranchisement Solicitors
Real Estate
Strategic Support for Leasehold Enfranchisement
Leasehold enfranchisement gives qualifying leaseholders greater control over their property, whether through purchasing the freehold collectively or taking over building management. Gurve Legal is a London-based commercial law firm advising leaseholders, freeholders and resident-led groups through this process.
These rights are governed by strict statutory criteria and prescribed notice procedures. Errors in serving notices or missing deadlines can jeopardise an entire claim, so we ensure every step is completed correctly and within the statutory timetable.
We act for both leaseholders pursuing a claim and freeholders responding to one, giving us a balanced view of how these matters actually play out.
Our Leasehold Enfranchisement Services
Collective Enfranchisement
Purchasing the freehold collectively gives leaseholders long-term control over service charges, management and future lease extensions. We manage the process end to end.
- Eligibility checks against qualifying criteria
- Forming the nominee purchaser and participation agreements
- Serving and responding to statutory notices
- Premium negotiations with valuation support
Right to Manage Applications
The Right to Manage lets leaseholders take over building management without paying a premium to the landlord. We handle company setup, formal notices, and a smooth handover from the existing managing agent.
Advice for Freeholders
We represent freeholders served with statutory notices, ensuring compliance with deadlines, accurate valuation, and protection of long-term interests including management rights.
Right of First Refusal
Where a freeholder proposes to sell, leaseholders are often entitled to first refusal under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987. We advise both sides on the offer notice procedure and response deadlines.
Valuation and Tribunal Support
We work closely with specialist enfranchisement surveyors to secure accurate valuations, and where a premium cannot be agreed, we advise on First-tier Tribunal applications.
Post-Acquisition Management
Following freehold acquisition or Right to Manage transfer, we help establish compliant management structures and review service charge arrangements going forward.
Why Choose Gurve Legal
Specialist Leasehold Reform Expertise
We have deep experience with the Leasehold Reform Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 and the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002, ensuring every claim is handled in full compliance with the relevant legislation.
Experience on Both Sides
We represent both leaseholders and freeholders, which gives us a fuller understanding of how claims are contested and negotiated.
Established Surveyor Relationships
Our relationships with respected enfranchisement surveyors help secure accurate valuations and stronger positions in premium negotiations.
Organised and Commercially Focused
Enfranchisement claims involve coordinating multiple leaseholders and strict statutory deadlines. We keep the process organised and communicate clearly throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the qualifying criteria for collective enfranchisement?
Generally, at least two-thirds of the flats in the building must be owned by qualifying leaseholders, and the building must be self-contained or capable of being divided vertically from adjoining parts.
What is a nominee purchaser?
The nominee purchaser is the individual, company or trust named in the initial notice who will formally acquire the freehold on behalf of the participating leaseholders.
What happens if leaseholders cannot agree a premium with the freeholder?
Either party can apply to the First-tier Tribunal, which will determine the price where negotiation fails to reach agreement.
Is the Right to Manage the same as buying the freehold?
No. Right to Manage transfers management responsibility to leaseholders without any change in freehold ownership, and unlike enfranchisement, no premium is payable to the landlord.
What is a participation agreement?
It is a binding agreement between leaseholders who want to take part in a collective enfranchisement claim, setting out voting rights and financial contributions before the initial notice is served.
Speak to Our Enfranchisement Solicitors
Whether you are pursuing collective enfranchisement, exercising the Right to Manage, or responding to a statutory notice as a freeholder, our team will guide you through every stage with clarity and precision.