Unfortunately that a Barnet residential lease is a deteriorating asset. The lease value reduces in proportion to its lease length. The extent of this is not fully appreciated in the first few years due to the loss of value being disguised by increases in the Barnet property prices.Where your lease has approximately 90 years left, you should start considering a lease extension. An important point to note is that it is desirable for lease extension to take place before the term of the existing lease falls lower than 80 years - otherwise a higher premium will be payable. Most leasehold owners in Barnet will be able to extend under the legislation; however a conveyancing solicitor should be able to clarify whether you are eligibility. In some situations you may not be entitled. There are also strict deadlines and procedures to be adhered to once the process has commenced and you will need to be guided by your conveyancing solicitor from beginning to end of the formalities.
Leasehold residencies in Barnet with more than 100 years left on the lease are often regarded as a ‘virtual freehold’. This is where the lease is worth the same as a freehold interest in your home. In such situations there is often little upside in buying the freehold unless savings on ground rent and estate 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. |
| Birmingham Midshires | Minimum 70 years from the date of the mortgage. |
| Lloyds TSB Scotland | Minimum 70 years from the date of the mortgage. |
| Skipton Building Society | 85 years from the date of completion of the mortgage For Buy to Let cases: - lettings must not breach any of the lessee’s covenants; and - consent of the lessor to lettings must be obtained if necessary |
| Virgin | 85 years at the time of completion. If it's less, we require it to be extended on or before completion. |
The lawyers that we work with procure Barnet lease extensions and help protect your position. A lease extension can be arranged to be completed to coincide with a change of ownership so the costs of the lease extension are paid for using part of the sale proceeds. You really do need expert legal advice in this difficult and technical area of law. The conveyancer we work with provide it.
Lucas was the the leasehold proprietor of a high value flat in Barnet being marketed with a lease of a few days over 59 years outstanding. Lucas on an informal basis approached his freeholder being a well known Manchester-based freehold company and enquired on a premium to extend the lease. The landlord indicated a willingness to grant an extension taking the lease to 125 years subject to a new rent to start with set at £150 per annum and increase every twenty five years thereafter. No ground rent would be payable on a lease extension were Lucas to invoke his statutory right. Lucas obtained expert legal guidance and secured an acceptable resolution without resorting to tribunal and ending up with a market value flat.
Mr and Mrs. S François was assigned a lease of a ground floor apartment in Barnet in September 2007. The dilemma was if we could estimate the price could be for a 90 year lease extension. Identical properties in Barnet with 100 year plus lease were valued around £223,400. The average amount of ground rent was £60 invoiced annually. The lease ran out on 21 June 2084. Given that there were 59 years unexpired we approximated the compensation to the freeholder to extend the lease to be between £27,600 and £31,800 plus costs.
An example of a Lease Extension matter before the tribunal for a Barnet premises is Flat 2 2 Netherfield Road in April 2010. The Tribunale held that premium payable for a 90 year extension to the existing Lease should be £7,705. This case affected 1 flat. The number of years remaining on the existing lease(s) was 76 years.