Category: Uncategorized

Absolute or Qualified

If a lease contains an “absolute” covenant against alterations, a landlord can charge a premium as there is a ban on an any alterations. A “qualified” covenant is a covenant against alterations without landlord’s consent. So in this case, a qualified covenant is an implied term that a landlord cannot unreasonably withhold consent and as… Read more »

The frustration of a landlord’s valuer

When advising tenants on the likely cost to extend their leases / acquire their freehold, they are more than willing to let you inspect their property in order to form a view prior to giving formal advice. After all, they see you as their friend to hold their hand in what is perceived as a… Read more »

Shingles instructed to advise on a most unusual building

It was an especial privilege to be instructed to advise on the range of premium payable to extend the lease of a most unusual building in the heart of Belgravia. Although now a residential flat arranged over 4 floors, the property is reported to have been a former grain store used by the livery stable… Read more »

“The rascals we were up against made it so tricky”

It is very pleasing to receive from a client an email thanking me for sorting everything out shortly after completion of his extended lease last week despite prefacing his gratitude with the above statement. Yet: Why would the landlord’s valuer refuse to negotiate beyond the point when it was too late to avoid much additional… Read more »

Westminster Legal Policy Forum

An important conference was held last week on implementing the proposed changes to the legislation, its impact on the enfranchisement calculations and further options for reform. I will be updating my blog shortly with the key note points raised with particular emphasis on the valuation issues discussed. Watch this space.

The 80 year cliff edge

The minute one’s lease drops to 80 years exactly, the cost to extend the lease by a further 90 years increases by 300%!