The Leasehold Advisory Service starts the year with a new Chairman. Roger Southam, a chartered surveyor and property manager, was appointed by the Housing Minister, Brandon Lewis, for a 5-year term. Although his background, as founder of the Chainbow property investment company, suggests more familiarity with property management than the day-to-day problems facing leaseholders, he […]
A leaseholder’s manifesto
With a general election just six months away, what are the main parties offering the approximately nine million voters living in leasehold? Research by Leasehold Knowledge Partnership found that more than 25% of the housing stock in England & Wales is held in leasehold. In London, where there are more flats than houses, this percentage […]
Estate agents say no to double charging
In the past year some local estate agents have responded to the surge in demand for local properties by asking buyers to make an ‘informal sealed bid’ where interested buyers are charged for the privilege of making an offer. The estate agent also charges the seller its normal percentage of the agreed price, effectively boosting […]
Next meeting
The next meeting is on Weds 12th November at the Bell, where we will discuss latest developments in loft permissions (see earlier post) and insurance. On insurance, Stella Creasy, MP for Walthamstow raised our concerns about the lack of access to policy details. with Brandon Lewis, the Minister for Communities & Local government on 22 […]
Loft extensions
We’ve heard a number of horror stories recently about residents being charged thousands of pounds for permission to build a loft extension. Two people were asked to pay £5,000 and one £10,000. To put this in perspective, consent was granted for £312 in 2007, and for £200 in 2008. So that’s a 5,000% increase in […]
Buying or extending – find out more
For anyone considering extending their lease, or buying their freehold in the near future, Leasehold solutions are holding a series of meetings talking through the options. They are on the 3rd, 8th. and 10th. of September, all at 7pm at the William Morris Gallery, Lloyd Park, Forest Rd, London E17 4PP. Leasehold law is complex […]