Levene Chartered Surveyors Valuations

Freehold Enfranchisement

Leaseholder's Rights


A group of Leaseholders have the right to purchase the Freehold of their building provided that:

  • The building has a minimum of two flats.
  • The Leaseholders original lease terms are greater than 21 years.
  • At least 50% of Leaseholders participate.

Purchase is not possible if the Freeholder lives in the building, which was originally converted by him and there are less than 5 flats. Leaseholders need not be resident in the building and there is no minimum ownership period. Up to 25% of the building floor area may be non-residential.

Cost of the Freehold


The price of the freehold is calculated according to the value of the ground rent income, the value of the Freeholders reversion at the end of the leases and 50% of the 'marriage value', i.e. the increase in value when the Freehold and Leasehold interests are combined or 'married together'. Leaseholders pay the Freeholders legal costs, valuation costs and Stamp Duty.

Agreeing a price


The Leaseholders form a 'right to enfranchise company' and their solicitor serves notice making a monetary offer for the freehold. The Freeholder either accepts the offer or the parties negotiate a price. If the negotiations fail, either may apply to the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal to determine the price.

Levene Chartered Surveyors Service


Levene Chartered Surveyors can assist Leaseholders or Freeholders by assessing and/or negotiating the price for either party following inspection and perusal of documents including the Lease.

Valuation fees and negotiation fees vary from case to case. We provide fee quotations if given basic details. Applications to the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal are charged at an hourly rate.

If you would like to make use of our collective freehold enfranchisement service, please give our friendly staff a call on 0208 977 6886 or use our contact page to get in touch.

Member of The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors