Under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993, leaseholders can act together to buy the freehold of their building if they meet certain qualifying criteria. This is called 'collective enfranchisement'.
When you can apply
Leaseholders of a building can apply to buy the freehold when:
- qualifying leaseholders own at least two thirds of the number of flats in the building
- the number of qualifying leaseholders wanting to buy is at least half the number of flats in the building
For example, if there are four flats in the building and three flats are owned by qualifying leaseholders, then you would qualify to purchase the freehold if at least two of you wanted to purchase the freehold.
Leaseholders need to agree with each other how they want to hold the freehold and make a joint application to purchase.
Before you apply
We strongly advise you to seek specialist advice on the best option for your particular circumstances. There is further information on the Leasehold Advisory website.
We can proceed with the freehold sale under the formal route where you have to serve a legal Section 13 Notice under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development 1993 Act. If you wish, you can ask your solicitors to send us a formal application for enfranchisement.
Costs
An independent chartered surveyor will carry out a valuation on each individual flat in the block after a Section 13 notice has been received. On completion you will be responsible for paying:
- our valuer’s costs
- legal and administrative costs
- the valuation of the freehold
Further information
Contact the leasehold services team for further information:
- phone: 0208 583 3787
- email: leaseholdservices@hounslow.gov.uk
Hounslow House
7 Bath Road
Hounslow
TW3 3EB
