The market value of Islington leasehold residential property falls as the lease term becomes shorter and this will have an impact on its saleability. The expense of extending the lease can increase substantially once the unexpired lease term is less than 80 years
Leasehold premises in Islington with more than one hundred years outstanding on the lease are sometimes referred to as ‘virtual freehold’. This is where the lease value the same as a freehold interest in your home. In such situations there is often little to be gained by purchasing the freehold unless savings on ground rent and service charges warrant it.
| Lender | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Accord Mortgages | 85 years from the date of completion of the mortgage. Please ensure that you explain the implications of a short term lease to the borrower. |
| Barclays plc | Leases with less than 70 years at the commencement of the mortgage should be declined (see exception below). Leases with greater than 70 years but fewer than 85 years remaining must be referred to issuing office. Leases with fewer than 70 years should only be referred to the issuing office where the following scenario applies, as discretion may be applied subject to bank approval: • Property is located in any of the following prestigious developments: Cadogan, Crown, Grosvenor, Howard de Walden, Portman or Wellcome Trust Estates in Central London AND • The value of the property subject to the short remaining term is £500,000 or more AND • The loan to value does not exceed 90% for purchases, 90% like for like re-mortgages, 80% for re-mortgages with any element of capital raising and 80% for existing Barclays mortgage borrowers applying for additional borrowing; |
| Coventry Building Society | A minimum of 70 years unexpired lease at completion for all scheme types apart from Lifetime Mortgages (Equity Release), which require a minimum unexpired term of 80 years at completion. |
| Virgin | 85 years at the time of completion. If it's less, we require it to be extended on or before completion. |
| Yorkshire Building Society | 85 years from the date of completion of the mortgage. Please ensure that you explain the implications of a short term lease to the borrower. |
Lease extensions in Islington can be a difficult process. We recommend you secure professional help from a conveyancing solicitor and valuer well versed in the legislation and lease extension process.
We provide you with an expert from a selection of lease extension solicitors, which ensures a targeted and efficient service as you have a dedicated port of call with an individual lawyer. Our lease extension solicitors have in-depth market knowledge procuring Islington lease extensions and further afield, as well as any potential issues which may arise as well as problems with the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal.
Luke owned a high value flat in Islington being sold with a lease of fraction over 59 years remaining. Luke on an informal basis approached his freeholder being a well known Manchester-based freehold company for a lease extension. The freeholder was keen to agree an extension on non-statutory terms taking the lease to 125 years on the basis of a rise in the rent to £200 annually. Ordinarily, ground rent would not be payable on a lease extension were Luke to exercise his statutory right. Luke obtained expert advice and was able to make an informed decision and deal with the matter and sell the flat.
In 2013 we were approached by Mrs N Evans who, having acquired a garden flat in Islington in July 2009. The dilemma was if we could estimate the price would likely be to extend the lease by ninety years. Similar properties in Islington with 100 year plus lease were worth £280,000. The mid-range amount of ground rent was £45 invoiced annually. The lease lapsed in 2095. Considering the 70 years as a residual term we approximated the compensation to the freeholder for the lease extension to be between £12,400 and £14,200 plus legals.
An example of a Lease Extension decision for a Islington premises is 5C Stoke Newington Road in April 2010. the Tribunal therefore concludes that the premium to be paid for the extended lease is £700.00 This case affected 1 flat. The number of years remaining on the existing lease(s) was 80.5 years.