Tim Jordan, a partner at Forshaws Davies Ridgway LLP, is part of a forum which is encouraging more people to buy the freehold on their property to prevent landlords making unwanted changes or even selling their home from beneath them.
The Association of Leasehold Enfrancisement Practitioners (ALEP) is trying to raise awareness of homeowners’ rights as millions of leases on homes built in the mid-twentieth century are due to expire.
“Families who have lived in a house for several decades could unconsciously be approaching the end of their lease and suddenly become vulnerable to the whims of landlords,” said Jordan. “Many people don’t realise that they can extend their lease or even buy the freehold if certain criteria are met.”
For people living in blocks of flats, buying the freehold could provide a solution to absentee landlords who are not managing the building sufficiently.
Jordan is keen for the owners of leasehold properties to know what help and advice is available to them.
