We act for individual leaseholders, groups of leaseholders, landlords, and property owners across England and Wales, guiding clients through every stage of the leasehold enfranchisement process.

Lease Extensions

As the length of a lease reduces, the value of the property can be affected and mortgage options may become more limited. Extending your lease can help protect the value of your home and make it more attractive to future buyers.

Many leaseholders have a statutory right to extend their lease by 90 years and reduce their ground rent to a peppercorn rent, provided certain qualifying criteria are met.

Our solicitors can assist with:
• Advising on your eligibility to extend your lease
• Serving and responding to statutory notices
• Negotiating lease extension terms
• Reviewing and drafting a Deed of Variation for your lease extension
• Resolving disputes where agreement cannot be reached

We work closely with valuers and surveyors to ensure you achieve the best possible outcome while navigating the process efficiently.

Buying Your Freehold

Collective enfranchisement allows qualifying leaseholders in a building to join together and purchase the freehold from their landlord.
Owning the freehold gives leaseholders greater control over the management of their building, future lease extensions, and service charge arrangements. It can also enhance the long-term value of individual flats.

Our team can advise on:
• Whether you qualify for collective enfranchisement
• The legal process for acquiring the freehold
• Serving statutory notices
• Negotiating with landlords and their representatives
• Completing the purchase and registration of the freehold

We provide practical support throughout the transaction, helping leaseholders work together to achieve a successful outcome.

Right to Manage Claims

Leaseholders do not always need to buy the freehold to take control of how their building is managed.
The Right to Manage (RTM) gives qualifying leaseholders the legal right to assume responsibility for the management of their building without having to prove fault on the part of the landlord.

This can allow leaseholders to take greater control over:
• Service charges
• Maintenance and repairs
• Insurance arrangements
• Managing agents
• Day-to-day building management

Our solicitors can guide you through the RTM process, from establishing eligibility and setting up the RTM company to serving notices and dealing with any challenges raised by the landlord.

Rights of First Refusal

In certain circumstances, a landlord wishing to sell the freehold of a building must first offer it to qualifying leaseholders before selling it to a third party.
These Rights of First Refusal provide leaseholders with an important opportunity to purchase the freehold and gain greater control over their property.

Our team can advise on:
• Whether the legislation applies to your building
• The validity of notices served by the landlord
• Timescales and procedures for accepting an offer
• Negotiating purchase terms
• Enforcing leaseholders’ rights where the freehold has been sold without complying with legal requirements

Early legal advice is essential, as strict deadlines often apply.

Why Choose Bennett Oakley?

At Bennett Oakley Solicitors, we combine specialist property law expertise with a practical, client-focused approach. We understand that leasehold enfranchisement matters can be complex and often involve multiple parties, tight deadlines, and significant financial considerations.
Our experienced team will provide clear advice tailored to your circumstances, helping you understand your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.

Speak to Our Property Specialists

If you are considering extending your lease, buying your freehold, exercising your Right to Manage, or need advice on Rights of First Refusal, contact Bennett Oakley Solicitors today for expert guidance.