Freehold purchase and lease extension solicitors

We provide expert legal advice on freehold and leasehold conveyancing, including lease extensions, freehold purchases and collective enfranchisement.

Conveyancing specialists with years of experience on property transactions of all sizes.

If you own a leasehold property, understanding your legal rights and options is crucial for protecting your investment. Whether you are looking to extend your lease, purchase the freehold, or explore collective enfranchisement, our expert solicitors provide clear and tailored advice to help you navigate the complexities of leasehold enfranchisement and residential property law.

Lease extension and freehold purchases

A leasehold property is owned for a fixed term, whereas the freehold remains under the ownership of a landlord or freeholder. As the lease term shortens, particularly when it drops below 80 years, the property can significantly decrease in value, making it harder to sell or secure a mortgage. Taking action early, whether through a lease extension or freehold purchase, can help you preserve and enhance your property’s value.

Our property teams combine technical expertise in all areas of property law with a personal approach
High-quality, cost-effective service to our wide range of UK and international clients

Boyes Turner has the largest property & construction law team in the Thames Valley to support you.
Supported by the wider property teams in commercial, property disputes, construction and land and development specialists.

Our leasehold services

Our freehold purchase solicitors offer extensive legal services for leasehold property owners, including:

Deeds of covenant and licences for alterations

Ensure compliance with leasehold requirements when making property modifications.

Individual freehold purchase

Purchasing the freehold of the property from your landlord.

Lease extensions

Extend your lease to increase the property’s value and saleability.

Right to manage (RTM)

Take over the management of your building without purchasing the freehold, giving tenants control over service charges and maintenance.

Tenant’s right of first refusal

Exercise your legal right to buy the freehold if your landlord decides to sell.

Conveyancing FAQs

What is conveyancing?

Conveyancing is the legal and administrative process involved in buying, selling, or transferring ownership of property or land. It includes tasks such as investigating the property title, preparing documents, drafting and exchanging contracts, handling Stamp Duty Land Tax payments, and registering the new ownership with the Land Registry. Since there are many legal requirements to meet before ownership can officially change, the process can be complex. However, our specialist conveyancing solicitors are here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth and stress-free transaction.

How much does conveyancing cost?

The cost of conveyancing can vary widely depending on factors such as the property’s price, it’s properties and location, whether you’re buying or selling, and whether the property is freehold or leasehold.

For example, purchasing a leasehold flat often involves slightly more legal work, such as reviewing the lease terms and liaising with the freeholder, compared to buying a freehold house. For high-net-worth individuals purchasing prime real estate, such as a luxury London residence, a country estate, or a high-value investment property, additional legal considerations may apply.

How much does Boyes Turner charge for conveyancing?

Our fees for a typical house sale or purchase start from £1595.00 plus VAT for a simple transaction to around £5000.00 plus VAT for a substantial rural property which is a listed building.

You may also require our assistance if you wish to change your mortgage lender. Our re-mortgage fees start at £995.00 plus VAT. Disbursements are also payable and will vary for each transaction. Typically, they will include Land Registry Official Copy Fees, Bankruptcy Searches, Searches and Land Registry Fees.

You can read our full breakdown of our conveyancing costs, however we recommend you get in contact with us for a free, tailored quote.

What are disbursements in conveyancing?

Disbursements in conveyancing are third-party costs incurred during the property transaction, which your conveyancer pays on your behalf.

These costs include Land Registry fees, search fees, bank transfer charges, and, if applicable, Stamp Duty Land Tax. These costs are in addition to your conveyancer’s fees. Your conveyancer will provide a breakdown of all expected disbursements upfront so you know what to expect.

How long does the conveyancing process take?

The conveyancing process typically takes 8 to 12 weeks, but this can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the transaction, the speed of searches, mortgage approvals, and whether there is a property chain.

Straightforward cases may be completed sooner, while more complex transactions or delays in the chain can extend the timeline.

We know how crucial it is to resolve property matters swiftly, especially when it involves your family home. Our expert property solicitors work diligently to complete your transaction as quickly as possible and will keep you updated throughout the process.

Do I have to pay Capital Gains Tax when selling my residential property?

You may need to pay Capital Gains Tax (CGT) when selling a residential property in the UK if it’s not your main home. If the property has been used as a second home, buy-to-let investment, or has not been your primary residence for the entire period of ownership, CGT could apply. The amount owed depends on your profit from the sale, your income tax band, and any available reliefs such as Private Residence Relief or Lettings Relief.

Related property services

Commercial property

Our Commercial property team specialises in advising companies that own or occupy commercial property in relation to their land interests.

Construction

We act for a wide range of clients across projects ranging from major urban regeneration schemes through office blocks, shopping centres and hospitality venues to small new build housing developments.

Court of protection

Our court of protection solicitors have decades of experience helping families, case managers and professional deputies make important decisions about their finances, property, health or welfare

Development & housebuilding

Explore the full range of services available to developers, house builders, land traders, landowners and investors.

High value property

Our specialist high value property lawyers deal with complex or high value residential and commercial properties or land. Usually in prime locations across the UK.

Industrial & logistics

Our industrial and logistics specialists combine technical expertise with a pragmatic, commercial and proactive approach, to deliver high-quality, cost-effective, efficient and creative solutions.

Planning & infrastructure

Discover more about our planning and infrastructure expertise.

Plot sales

We handle many hundreds of plot sales transactions each year for commercial and residential property developers.

Property finance

Understand our property finance services for lenders and borrowers. We work with a wide range of lenders such as borrowers banks, other financial institutions and high net worth individuals on a variety of property financing for projects large and small.

Property disputes

If you are involved in a property dispute, such as boundary issues, tenant disputes, or contract breaches, we have vast experience in resolving matters quickly and effectively.

Related services

Divorce and separation

Whether you are ending a marriage or civil partnership, we can guide you through the legal process with sensitivity and clarity.

Gifting property to Children or Family

We regularly act for families who are planning for the future and want to transfer their property.

Putting assets into trusts

Trusts are a powerful tool to protect and control wealth for your loved ones’ benefit. Speak to our Private Wealth team.

Unmarried couples and cohabitation agreements

We advise on cohabitation agreements, as well as resolving disputes on relationship breakdown. Our team can guide you on property ownership disputes, financial claims involving children and all the issues you need to consider.