Enfranchisement
If at least two thirds of the residents in your block are leaseholders, you can apply jointly to buy the freehold of your block and manage it yourselves. This is called enfranchisement. If you and your neighbours qualify under the enfranchisement rules, we cannot refuse to sell you the freehold. However, there are some things you should consider:
- You would own your flat in commonhold with your neighbours and you would need to form a management committee for the block. As we would no longer be your landlord, you would be jointly responsible for the maintenance and management costs of your block.
- You would no longer be able to call on us if you had problems with your neighbours (unless they were our residents) If you get on well with your neighbours, you would have more say in the way the block is managed and the money that is spent on it.
If the block still had at least one of our properties, we would be represented on your management committee. You would charge us for our share of management and maintenance costs.
You can only apply for enfranchisement if at least two thirds of the flats in your block are leasehold. If you are interested, you should discuss it with your neighbours and get independent advice from a solicitor or the Citizens Advice Bureau.
The Leasehold Advisory Service also provides useful information and guidance.