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.
Want to know more? Just give us a ring on 0800 012 9085 or contact us through our website.
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.
Our online service makes dealing with your leasehold property a breeze. Here's how it works:
Our aim is to take the hassle out of the legal aspects of leasehold properties, leaving you free to focus on your future plans.
Binding agreement: a date is agreed upon for completion, mortgage funds are requested, and contracts are exchanged, making the transaction legally binding.
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.
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.
There are often restrictions on leasehold properties. These restrictions can vary depending on the lease, but they can include things like:
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.
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.
You can buy the freehold of your leasehold property later on. This is called enfranchisement. To be eligible for enfranchisement, you must:
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.
Sarah Cookson, Director, Solicitor and Head of Residential Conveyancing at Switalskis, has been named Female Trailblazer of the Year at the LEAP Modern Law Conveyancing Awards 2025. The recognition reflects her outstanding leadership, her commitment to innovation, and her influence across the legal sector.
Sarah Cookson, Head of Residential Conveyancing at Switalskis, was recently interviewed by BBC Look North for her professional views into the risks faced by homebuyers purchasing properties off-plan.
Two wins for our residential and new build teams and a shortlist for our Business Development Executive at The British Conveyancing Awards 2025.
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is a tax that people in England have to pay when they buy property or land over a certain price. The amount payable is set to change from April 2025.
If you're planning to buy a leasehold property and want straightforward and expert legal guidance, look no further than Switalskis.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We offer a free consultation, so please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about buying a leasehold property.
For more information about how we can assist you in buying a freehold property, call us today on 0800 012 9085 , or get in touch through our website.