Leasehold Solicitors

For a smooth transition

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the complicated ins and outs of buying leasehold properties, you're definitely not alone. It's a tricky area, full of unfamiliar terms and important decisions. But don't worry - help is at hand.

At Switalskis, our expert team of leasehold solicitors is here to guide you through every step, from your first question to the moment you secure your property.

We've got a dedicated team of expert solicitors and conveyancers ready to help you navigate the ins and outs of leasehold properties. We know dealing with a leasehold can seem complicated, but we're here to make the legal parts as simple as can be. We'll break down the legal language for you, keep you informed at each step, and provide you with a hassle-free experience.

Interested in finding out how we can assist you? Just call us on 0800 138 0458 or get in touch via our website .

Want to know more? Just give us a ring on 0800 138 0458 or contact us through our website.

How Switalskis can help

When you first reach out to us, we'll sit down for a chat to understand your needs and goals with your leasehold property. We'll guide you through each stage, demystifying any legal terms and sorting out all the paperwork so you can focus on your next move.

At Switalskis, you're not just hiring a solicitor, you're teaming up with people who genuinely care about your future. We tailor our advice to your specific needs and keep you in the loop at all times so you can make informed decisions.

Embracing technology

Our online service makes dealing with your leasehold property a breeze. Here's how it works:

Start by completing a few basic forms, verifying your identity, and making your initial payments through our user-friendly online portal
Keep tabs on your case in real-time with the ‘Milestones’ feature on our portal
Upload any important documents we might need directly via the portal
If you prefer, we'll securely send key information and paperwork straight to your email address
And if you ever feel like a chat, we're only an email or a phone call away

Our aim is to take the hassle out of the legal aspects of leasehold properties, leaving you free to focus on your future plans.

The process of buying a leasehold property

Pre-exchange

Initial agreement: once you’ve agreed on an offer for the property, the initial paperwork, including terms of business and costs, is sent to you for your signature.
Instructing solicitors: the solicitors are officially instructed to act on your behalf once they receive the signed paperwork back from you.
Mortgage and survey: you or your mortgage lender will arrange for a survey to be carried out on the property and apply for a mortgage if needed.
Request draft contract: your solicitors will request a draft contract and other necessary paperwork from the seller's conveyancer.
Lease and leasehold information: for leasehold properties, the contract package will also include a lease and a leasehold information form. These documents usually need additional time to check.
Contract review and pre-contract enquiries: your solicitors review the contract pack, including lease documents if applicable, and raise any questions with the seller's solicitors.
Management pack: Sometimes a management pack from the managing agent is needed, adding to the time and tasks.
Additional documents: additional documents like Deed of Covenant or Deed of Variation may need to be drawn up, resulting in extra time and costs.
Transfer document: a transfer document is drafted and sent to the seller for approval.
Property details and boundaries: You receive forms and a plan from the seller to verify property details and boundaries.
Searches and further enquiries: searches like Local Authority, Environmental, Coal Mining, and Water and Drainage are conducted. Extra checks may include service charges, disputes, insurance and more.
Completion statement: after securing mortgage offers, search results and responses to enquiries, a completion statement is sent to you detailing all costs.

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Exchange

Binding agreement: a date is agreed upon for completion, mortgage funds are requested, and contracts are exchanged, making the transaction legally binding.

Completion

Final payment and legal requirements: funds are transferred to the seller's solicitors. For leasehold properties, additional documents and fees may need to be sent to management companies, landlords and freeholders.

Key collection: you can collect the keys from the estate agent or seller and are now the legal owner of the property.

Post-completion

Stamp Duty and Land Registry: your Stamp Duty Land Tax is submitted and paid. An application to the Land Registry is made to register the new ownership.

Are there any restrictions on leasehold properties?

There are often restrictions on leasehold properties. These restrictions can vary depending on the lease, but they can include things like:

The right to make alterations to the property
The right to rent out the property
The right to keep pets
The right to use the property for business purposes
The right to sublet the property

The lease will usually specify how to get permission to do things that are restricted. In some cases, the landlord may have the right to refuse permission, even if it’s something that you would reasonably expect to be allowed to do.

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Is the lease extendable?

A lease is extendable in the UK. Under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993, leaseholders of flats have the right to extend their lease by a further 90 years. Leaseholders of houses can extend their lease by a further 50 years, but only once.

To be eligible to extend your lease, you must have owned the property for at least two years. You must also pay a premium to the freeholder, which is calculated based on the value of the property and the length of the extension.

The process of extending a lease can be complex and time-consuming, so it’s important to get professional advice. There are a number of companies that specialise in lease extensions, and they can help you through the process.

Extending your lease can be a good investment, as it can increase the value of your property and make it easier to sell. It can also give you peace of mind knowing that you’ll have a long-term home.

Can I buy the freehold later on?

You can buy the freehold of your leasehold property later on. This is called enfranchisement. To be eligible for enfranchisement, you must:

Be the leaseholder of the property.
Have owned the property for at least two years.
Have a lease that has at least 21 years to run.
Have the support of at least 50% of the other leaseholders in the building.

The freeholder may be willing to sell you the freehold at a price that is agreed between you. If you cannot agree on a price, the freeholder will be able to refer the matter to the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal, which will decide the price.

Why Switalskis

If you're planning to buy a leasehold property and want straightforward and expert legal guidance, look no further than Switalskis.

Clarity in complexity

Buying a leasehold property can be complex and involve a lot of legal jargon. We're here to simplify things for you. We'll answer any questions you have, explain the legal terms in plain English, and keep you fully informed at every step, so you can make decisions with confidence.

Empathy at every step

We understand that buying a leasehold property is a significant financial commitment, and it can be daunting. We're here to listen to your concerns, figure out your specific needs and offer customised advice. You're not just another client to us; you're someone who is making a big investment, and we're committed to making sure it's a smooth process.

Expertise you can trust

When it comes to the legal aspects of buying a leasehold property, you want a team that knows what they're doing. With Switalskis, you're in trusted hands. We have a wealth of experience and a track record that speaks volumes, helping people like you make informed decisions and protect their interests.

Championing your rights

We're all about making sure you get the best deal and that your rights as a leaseholder are safeguarded. From the first consultation to the final signing of the lease, we'll keep you in the loop, making sure you're always aware of what's happening.