Flats and apartments come in all shapes and sizes.  In today’s world of rising property prices, flats or apartments remain extremely popular, particularly in urban centres where land is so expensive and in unique, up-market developments.  The down side of this type of property is that it is almost always sold under a ‘leasehold’ arrangement and however large or upmarket, the owners of this type of property will have to face up to the issues of communal living, to some degree or another. 

Although it is by no means always the case, owning a flat or apartment can include some frustrations.  There may be noisy neighbours, the service charge may be astronomic, the landlord may fail to maintain the building properly - leading to a fall in value in the property.

It may also be prudent to consider extending the lease, as the number of years remaining on it should not be allowed to reduce below say, 75 years.  If this is not done, selling the property may be difficult, at a realistic market price. These issues affect the buy-to-let market too. 

So, if you are concerned about preserving the value of your investment, give us a call or send an email, we are the experts in this area of law and may well be able to help.

The Government recognises the special problems faced by owners of residential leasehold property.  Recent legislation now opens the way for flat or apartment owners to band together to own the block as a whole.  This is known as Leasehold Enfranchisement, offering owners the realistic opportunity to determine the future of their property investment.  Our dedicated Landlord and Tenant Team is available to help you with this or any other property problem.

Contact Glenda Ferneyhough in Hemel Hempstead. Alternatively contact Belinda Walkinshaw in St Albans or click here to send an email.

Pickworths has a considerable reputation in the complex area of planning and the environment. We are one of just a handful of south east firms boasting a team of specialist planning lawyers to assist you.

We provide a comprehensive service on all planning matters including advice on how to negotiate with the local authority, applications for Certificates of Lawfulness and planning applications, planning agreements and representations by members of the firm at local Planning Inquiries and Hearings.

• Planning applications
• Negotiations with local authorities
• Planning Inquiries
• Enforcement Notices
• Lawful Uses
• Planning Problems
• Footpath Modifications and Discharge
• Compulsory Purchase
• Making the most of your assets

Contact Belinda Walkinshaw St Albans.

Buying a home will almost certainly be the most important single purchase you ever make.  It can also be a difficult and frustrating experience. 

Pickworths’ Residential Property Team are experienced in all aspects of buying and selling properties and our aim is to make the conveyancing as quick and painless as possible.   From first-time buyers to retirement homes and equity releases, we have the expertise to help:

• Leasehold properties
• Right to Buy
• Property division, following relationship breakdown
• Re-mortgages
• Buy-to-let or investment buyers
• Probate sales

We make it our businesses to keep you informed of all developments and to make sure you understand what is happening. We also provide you with a booklet giving details of the process and useful hints on queries that may arise and are always happy to meet you to discuss your questions or concerns. We use modern technology to speed up the conveyancing process and have on-line access to the National Land Information Service (NLIS) and to the Land Registry.

We provide a written estimate of the cost of the legal fees associated with your sale and also purchase of property including stamp duty; Land Registry and search fees.  We provide a Property Report (to include copies of all relevant documents) and a Mortgage Report so that you understand your obligations to your Lender.  In the case of new build, we will provide a report on the Contract and for leasehold properties we provide a full report on that Lease and the obligations both on you and the Management Company.

Whatever your property transaction we can assist you. 

Contact Glenda Ferneyhough or Caryn Horowitz in Hemel Hempstead.

Click here to email the Property Team.

Click here to meet the team.