Leaseholds
Our conveyancing team have a wealth of experience in dealing with various leasehold transactions and can assist and advise you on the following:
Purchases and sales
Compared to buying a freehold property – where you own both the property and the land on which it stands – buying a leasehold means you own the property but the land it is built on is owned by the freeholder.
If you are considering buying a leasehold property we can check the terms of the lease for you, including how many years are left on the lease, the ground rent and additional charges and any restrictions. We can also check the legal title documents sent by the seller’s solicitor and can carry out all appropriate searches.
In terms of selling a leasehold property, there can be more paperwork involved than selling a freehold house. We can guide and assist you with providing all the information the buyer’s solicitor will need. This will reduce the number of queries they come back with and ensure the process runs smoothly and efficiently.
If the current lease on the property is short, we can also help with making it easier to sell by advising you on the options of extending the lease or purchasing the freehold (see below).
Leasehold extensions
If you have owned the leasehold on a property for more than two years then you are eligible to extend the lease. Typically flats tend to have a lease term of between 99 and 125 years, and it is often advisable to extend the lease sooner rather than later, otherwise the cost of doing so becomes greater. Extending the lease is also a great way of retaining the value of the property and makes it more saleable if you decide to remortgage.
Where an agreement has been reached between the leaseholder and landlord or freeholder to extend the lease we can deal with the paperwork for the extension. In addition we will approve the deed confirming the extension and register the extension with the Land Registry.
Purchase of freehold
Buying the freehold on a leasehold property, also known as leasehold enfranchisement, has a number of benefits. Not only does it mean you can live in the property for as long as you wish, but it also means you can make changes to the land and property without having to consult the landlord. It can also make the property more appealing to buyers should you wish to sell it in the future.
At Rothera Bray we can help advise you on the financial and practical implications of a freehold purchase, as well as review the current terms of your lease.
Remortgage and transfer of equity
Re-mortgaging a leasehold property is the same process as with a freehold property.
It involves changing the mortgage on the property by moving to a new lender. You might choose to remortgage because your current mortgage deal is coming to an end or you want to increase the amount you borrow and another lender is offering a better deal. Our conveyancing team are very experienced in remortgaging for leasehold properties and work closely with banks and building societies to ensure the process happens quickly and without hassle.
We can also advise and assist on transfer of equity for leasehold properties, where you are looking to change the legal ownership of the property without actually selling the property (see our Transfer of Equity page for more details). With a leasehold property there could be certain requirements under the lease that also need to be dealt with, as well as extra disbursements such as a notice served on the landlord, which we can also advise you on.
Shared ownership
Taking out a shared ownership lease means you buy a share in your home and rent the remaining share at a reduced or subsidised rate, usually from a housing association through which the scheme is run.
Under the scheme you will have a lease with the housing association which details the shares in the property that you own and the housing association owns. The lease will also outline your rent amount, your obligations regarding maintaining the property and any restrictions.
Our experienced team can assist you in buying the property and advise you on the details of the shared ownership lease, as well as offer guidance on buying more shares in the property at a later date (known as staircasing).
Ground rents
As the leaseholder of a property, the landlord, who may also be the freeholder, will often charge you ground rent. This is a sum payable to the freeholder to occupy the land a leasehold property is built on. It will also include service charges which cover the cost of services including general maintenance and repairs, building insurance and heating and lighting.
In unfortunate cases leaseholders can find themselves at the mercy of their landlord. The landlord may decide to increase the ground rent or service charge at any time or fail to manage the property adequately. As a result it is not surprising that disagreements can arise between the leaseholder and landlord.
Why use Rothera Bray for leasehold property transactions?
You will be assigned a dedicated team member who will handle your case from start to finish and provided with their direct contact details.
We have eight offices across Nottingham, Leicester and Derby where you can see a member of our conveyancing team.
We can review a lease and its terms and advise you of your leasehold rights before you enter into any agreement
We will be upfront and transparent about costs so there are no hidden/extra charges.
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Conveyancing Fees
Our fees made clear:
“We explain costs clearly – so there’s no hidden surprises”
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Head of Conveyancing
FAQs
The main difference between freehold and leasehold is ownership rights. With freehold properties, the freeholder owns the property and land for an unlimited period. In comparison, ownership of a leasehold property is for a set period, and as a leaseholder even though you have bought the property and are paying a mortgage on it, you will have a landlord who is the freeholder and owns the property and land, and you will have to pay ground rent and service charge.
When a leasehold expires the property reverts back to being a freehold rather than a leasehold and ownership of the building and land will go back to the freeholder. When the leasehold expires you will have no legal rights to the property, even if you have paid the mortgage off and own the property outright.
Yes, you can. The process is similar to selling a freehold property, and when the property is sold the new leaseholder will need to follow what was agreed to in the original lease, including paying ground rent and service charge.
It is advised that you instruct an estate agent to sell your home and a solicitor to deal with the conveyancing. Once an offer has been accepted, your solicitor will prepare a contract of sale to send to the prospective buyer, as well as copies of the lease agreement and your title and the freeholder’s title.
You might also need to provide the buyer with an information pack from the property managing agent, and a copy of the building’s insurance schedule and annual accounts for the managing agent.
It is worth noting that properties with less than 80 years left on the lease are not as attractive to buyers because they will find it harder to get a mortgage on the property, so if you are thinking of selling the property it is worth extending the lease before it gets to 80 years.
Yes, you can convert a leasehold into a freehold, which is known as enfranchisement. For a leaseholder to qualify for enfranchisement, they need to have a long lease of low rent with an original term of at least 21 years, or with a right to renewal which they have held for the past two years.
For the property to qualify for enfranchisement, the building must be reasonably considered a house and divided vertically from any adjoining house. If the property has been divided into flats, it will still qualify if the leaseholder has the lease for the whole house or they want to extend the lease of their specific flat rather than acquire the freehold.
There is also the option for the owners of several flats in a building to join together and buy the freehold of that building, known as collective enfranchisement.
A freeholder can refuse to sell the freehold but only if certain criteria are not met. For example, if they have a lease of less than 21 years or own more than two flats in the building.
A 999-year lease is effectively as good as a leasehold, as you do not need to worry about the lease running out or the property not being desirable to buyers if you are looking to sell. Although leasehold properties come with bigger risks than freehold properties because you’re at the mercy of the freeholder, if you are a flat owner who owns the flat as a leasehold property, you might have the option of grouping together with other flat owners in your block to buy the freehold and grant yourselves 999 year leases, meaning that you get the same security as a freehold property and you can decide on the rights and responsibilities of all residents.
Ground rent is money you pay in instalments or annually to your landlord for living at your residence.
You only have to pay ground rent if your landlord has sent you a formal written demand for it, however they can take legal action if you have received the demand but not made payment.
Your landlord cannot increase ground rent unless you agree to it or there is a rent review clause in the lease stating the ground rent can be increased. However, there are a lot of issues with these clauses as lenders have changed their criteria surrounding them. If the rent is likely to increase during the term to more than £250 per annum (£1000 per annum in London), the lender may not lend without the Landlord agreeing to vary the terms. Unfortunately, a lot of management companies are refusing to do this which basically makes the property unsaleable.
A peppercorn ground rent is a very low or nominal rent. Historically, ground rent was very low, and freeholders would not find much value in collecting it, however for a lease contract to be considered legally binding, the freeholder and leaseholder must exchange something of value to the other party. In the past peppercorns were a valuable commodity so would have been considered to validate the lease contract.
Most shared ownership properties are leasehold, with the occupier owning a share of the home and a housing association owning the remainder along with the land. If you live in a shared ownership property, you will pay your mortgage on your share and rent to the housing association for the remainder, as well as a service charge.
The Leasehold Reform Act comes into effect on 30 June 2022 and will allow leaseholders to extend lease agreements as often as they wish at zero ground rent for a period of 990 years; enable leaseholders to buy out the ground rent without extending the lease term; the launch of a Commonhold Council and the regulation of all property managing agents.
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Posted 5 January 2026
The final run up to completion of our sale was very stressful but we were helped by Luisa, Abbey's assistant. She maintained contact with us and updated us at each stage, extremely calm, empathetic and approachable at all times. She went out of her way to find information for us and keep us informed of the progress.
Residential Sale client
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Posted 5 January 2026
We have recently instructed Rothera Bray for the sale of our house and purchase of our new home. It has been a challenging sequence of events, for various reasons outside of our control, but Abbey Freeman has guided us through it, giving us information and explanations very clearly and answering our questions in a timely manner.
Conveyancing client
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Posted 5 January 2026
We recently moved house and Julekha and team were amazing. We were kept well informed throughout the selling & buying process and they worked hard to achieve a very tight deadline.
Gary Lee
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Posted 23 December 2025
I purchased my first home with an ex-partner and needed to get an equity transfer completed. The situation was very messy and chaotic involving Help to Buy. Lucy and Karen were beyond helpful in explaining everything and dealing with Help to Buy when they were being not very helpful and slow. I feel that the whole drama would be ongoing without their expertise and help. Thank you.
Kirk
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Posted 23 December 2025
We enjoyed exceptionally good service from Rothera Bray. Jackie Murphy who handled our conveyancing was outstanding. She is highly professional and dealt with enquiries promptly, often on the same day! Her communication was very good and we always felt well informed. I'd have no hesitation in calling on Rothera Bray again.
Mr Page
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Posted 23 December 2025
A brilliant experience from start to finish. A fallen through chain and a few complications on the way, but the service provided was fantastic. Rothera Bray were clear and helpful at all times. Would highly recommend to anyone.
Amy O'Neill
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Posted 19 December 2025
We have recently completed our house purchase with Rothera Bray. From the outset Sade Love provided us with clear instructions and advice and has been absolutely brilliant throughout. The charges for services are fair and certainly reasonable. I would highly recommend Sade and Rothera Bray as a 5 Star team, professional and friendly. Thank you!
Michael O'Neill
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Posted 18 December 2025
Our experience with Rothera Bray has been very positive. Abbey and Luisa were consistently professional, approachable, and supportive at every stage of the process, which made what could have been a stressful situation feel much more manageable. Their communication was timely and transparent, and we always felt reassured that our case was handled with care and expertise. We can highly recommend Rothera Bray, and in particular, Abbey and Luisa.
Lydia
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Posted 18 December 2025
I recently used Rothera Bray for the first time. They were so helpful with their amazing services. Thank you so much Sharan Sian and Julian Ryan. I would highly recommend.
Aneth
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Posted 18 December 2025
Having been using Rothera Bray (previously Woolley, Beardsleys and Bosworth) for almost the last 10 years, I can honestly say that it is by far the best solicitors that I have used, in the Loughborough area. Having used them between 25-30 times in that period, not just for house sales and purchases, but for other tasks too, their work on everything has been exceptional, prompt and meticulous. Everything is explained clearly and no question ever feels too silly to ask... I must say a huge thankyou to Suzanne Riozzi, and her PA's over the years, who have been handling everything for me during this time. Her professionalism and dedication to her work, and clients, is second to none, and her time and effort has made the legal landscape for me personally, and for my work, a lot easier to navigate. Suzanne is the reason I have used, and will continue to use, Rothera Bray.
Waleed
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Posted 10 December 2025
My son sold his flat through the Market Harborough branch. He dealt with Tina Rana at the start but when she went on maternity leave the case was taken over by Julekha Nathani, although the buyers solicitors had raised over 100 queries, she dealt with it in her normal way with amazing professionalism. Julekha moved heaven and earth to keep everything on track and get the sale across the line. If your looking for a great solicitor with a wealth of knowledge and experience she is your lady.
Melanie
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Ellie, was superb she did everything. we can’t say enough about her, she was Very polite and professional.
Ian Atkins
Tim Brooke
Partner
Tim Brooke is a solicitor and partner in our residential conveyancing department, based at our West Bridgford and Nottingham offices.
Emily Weston
Partner
Emily Weston is as a Partner in the Residential Conveyancing team and is based primarily at our Beeston office.
Michelle Young
Partner & Head of Conveyancing
Michelle Young is a residential property specialist and heads up the conveyancing team. She’s based at our Loughborough office.
Kiran Phagura
Managing Associate
Kiran Phagura is a Managing Associate based in our Leicester office. She specialises in all aspects of Residential Conveyancing.
Lucy Walsh
Managing Associate
Lucy Walsh is a Managing Associate in the Residential Conveyancing team and is based primarily at our Derby office.
Carol Freeman
Senior Associate
Carol Freeman is a Chartered Legal Executive in Rothera Bray’s Residential Conveyancing department and is based at our Lace Market office.
Johanna Goddard
Senior Associate
Jo Goddard has over 20 years experience specialising in all aspects of residential conveyancing and regularly acts for clients on sales, purchases, remortgages and transfers of equity and is part of one of the largest conveyancing teams across the East Midlands. She works out of our Nottingham city centre office, in the Lace Market.
Sade Love
Senior Associate Licensed Conveyancer
Sade Love is a Licensed Conveyancer in Rothera Bray’s Conveyancing department and is based at our Lace Market office.
Julekha Nathani
Senior Associate Solicitor
Julekha specializes in residential conveyancing and is based at our Market Harborough office. Having qualified in 2016 she has an extensive property knowledge dealing with a wide range of conveyancing matters.
Lucy Pettitt
Senior Associate
Lucy Pettitt is based in our Mapperley office and has amassed over 12 years of experience in all aspects of Conveyancing.
Sally Simpson
Senior Associate
Sally is based at our West Bridgford office. She has 40 years experience specialising in all aspect of residential conveyancing.
Jo Clarke
Associate
Jo is an experienced Conveyancing Associate and is based at our West Bridgford office.
Abbey Freeman
Associate Solicitor
Abbey Freeman is an Associate Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Conveyancing team and is based at our Loughborough office.
Sandy Kaur
Associate Solicitor
Sandy Kaur is an Associate Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Conveyancing department and is based at our Beeston office.
Tina Rana
Associate Solicitor
Tina is an Associate Solicitor in the residential conveyancing department. She has extensive experience in dealing with all aspects of residential conveyancing including, leasehold and transfer of equities.
Christopher Sweetman
Associate
Christopher is a Licensed Conveyancer based at our Loughborough office. He specialises in all aspects of Residential Property including New Build Purchases and Unregistered Properties.
Fatima Altaf
Solicitor
Fatima Altaf is a Solicitor in the Residential Property department. She is based at our Leicester office.
Kerry Brown
Chartered Legal Executive
Kerry Brown is a residential property specialist at Rothera Bray’s Nottingham HQ.
Sasha Cox
Solicitor
Sasha Cox is a solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Conveyancing department and is based at our Beeston office.
Hayley Hart
Solicitor
Hayley Hart is a Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Residential Conveyancing department and is based at our Mapperley branch office.
Jackie Murphy
Solicitor
Jackie Murphy is a Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Residential Conveyancing team and is based at our West Bridgford office.
Sara Odedra
Chartered Legal Executive
Sara Odedra is a Chartered Legal Executive in our Residential Property department and is based at our Leicester office.
Kerry Redfern
Licensed Conveyancer
Kerry Redfern is a residential property specialist in our Mapperley office.
Suzanne Riozzi
Chartered Legal Executive
Suzanne Riozzi is a Chartered Legal Executive in Rothera Bray’s Residential Conveyancing department and is based at our Loughborough office.
Ellie Robinson
Solicitor
Ellie Robinson is a Solicitor in the residential conveyancing department at Rothera Bray and is based at our Derby office.
Laura Runcak
Solicitor
Laura Runcak is a Solicitor in the Conveyancing department at Rothera Bray Derby and Beeston.
Sharan Sian
Solicitor
Sharan is a Solicitor in our Residential Property department. She is based at our Market Harborough office.
Ruth Cooper
Managing Paralegal
Ruth Cooper is a Managing Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Residential Conveyancing department and is based at our Loughborough office.
Samantha Buckle
Senior Paralegal
Samantha Buckle is a senior paralegal at Rothera Bray, in the Conveyancing department. She’s based at our Beeston office.
Nikola Dzierzak
Senior Paralegal
Nikola is a Senior Paralegal and works within our Conveyancing department at our West Bridgford office.
Gail Garner
Senior Paralegal
Gail is a Senior Paralegal in our Residential Conveyancing department and is based at our Lace Market office.
Schiennel Holness
Senior Paralegal
Schiennel Holness is a Senior Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Conveyancing department and is based at our Mapperley office.
Theresa Mason
Senior Paralegal
Theresa is a Senior Paralegal in our Conveyancing department based at the West Bridgford office.
Grace Millward
Senior Paralegal
Grace Millward is a Senior Paralegal in Rothera Bray Residential Conveyancing department and is based at the Derby branch.
Luisa Palumbo
Senior Paralegal
Luisa Palumbo is a Senior Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Conveyancing team and is based at our Loughborough office.
Shelby Richardson
Senior Paralegal
Shelby Richardson is a Senior Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Conveyancing department and is based at our Mapperley branch.
Beccy Rodham
Senior Paralegal
Beccy Rodham is a Senior Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Conveyancing department and is based at our Lace Market office.
Julian Ryan
Senior Paralegal
Julian Ryan is a Senior Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Conveyancing team and is based at our Market Harborough office.
Priscilla Dohara
Paralegal
Priscilla Dohara is a Paralegal specialising in residential conveyancing, providing clients with efficient and reliable support throughout the property transaction process. Priscilla is based at our Loughborough office.
Akeeta Lakhani
Paralegal
Akeeta is a Paralegal in our Residential Conveyancing team. She is based at our Leicester city centre office.
Lisa Rainbow
Paralegal
Lisa is a Paralegal in our Residential Conveyancing team. She is based at our Leicester office.
Nirvair Kaur Singh
Paralegal
Nirvair is a Paralegal in our Conveyancing team based at our West Bridgford office.
Rhiannon Tyrrell
Paralegal
Rhiannon Tyrrell is a Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Conveyancing team and is based at our Loughborough office.
Sally Cooper
Conveyancing Department Assistant
Sally is our first point of contact for any new conveyancing enquiries that come in to the department and provides a bespoke quoting service for prospective clients, estate agents and other referrers of work.
Zenith Lee
Paralegal
Zenith is a Paralegal in our Conveyancing team based at our West Bridgford office.
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