Hi. I purchased my lease in 2004, and was informed by the solicitor just whilst drafting the contracts that the landlord is absent. The person I bought from was told exactly the same, and they arranged for indemnity insurance. I understand that the landlord has been absent for around 10 years.

Myself and another leaseholder pay for all refurbishment repairs jointly. I think we have had to spend around £4k over the last few years collectively. Is there anyway of getting this taken into consideration? I have done my best to trace the landlord, the landlords address stated in the lease is no longer owned by him. In fact our local MP lives there for the last 8 years.

I have searched the voters roll and telephone book, and cannot find him. The builders on the plans, and the firm of solicitors stated in the agreement no longer exist. I would now like to extend my lease or purchase the freehold, whichever is the cheapest.

I have 76 years and three months left on my lease. I bought for 94k in 2004 and similar properties are around £109k now. Ground rent (if demanded) is £1 per annum.

Your help is greatly appreciated. Thanks

Hoping you can help.

I own a lease of approx 119 years on my flat which is one of two flats in a freehold property. My neighbours have a very short lease left on their flat (I think less than 22 years and definitely no longer than 25 years- though am not sure exactly) and are obviously very keen to buy the freehold.

My lease was newly extended when I bought my flat and I am now wanting to sell. I know the the previous owners of my flat paid a premium to extend the lease before they sold to me – I think around 40-50K and have been told that owning part of the freehold will do little to raise the value of my flat now I m selling, plus I do not want all the legal hassle and complication of dealing with this now. I also do not get on with my neighbours.

Consequently, I have told my neighbours I am not interested. They initially asked me to sign a bit of paper saying I was happy to have them become the freeholder which I refused to do.

They are now pressurising me into signing something saying I have no interest in the freehold and have also said that as their flat has more rooms than mine, they are entitled to become the freeholder whether I like it or not.

Can you please clarify my legal position here. I definitely do not want them to be freeholder to my property.

Many thanks.

I’m thinking of buying a flat that has 82 years remaining on it. I have heard somewhere that this could be a problem and may need to have the Lease extended. Can you give me some advice on this and whether you think it is wise to put in an offer on this flat.

Many thanks

Hi, We are the freeholder to a building containing 3 flats. We have had a request to extend a lease which started in 01 Jan 1987, hence it is over 21 yrs ago from start date. i.e. not qualifying as a long lease.
We are happy to extend the lease 125 yrs from today with Ground Rent as is and to continue to rise as per current lease for the new extension. We have received request for zero Ground Rent, however, this is not an option that is feasible to us. As I understand there is no right to zero Ground Rent in this case. Help is much appreciated.