Stop! Your Lease Extension in Folkestone Could Be FREE

Many leaseholders in Folkestone are unaware that their original lawyer had a duty to warn them about future mortgageability and saleability issues. Before you pay thousands to your freeholder, let us audit your purchase history. You might have a claim that pays for your lease extension in full

If you are facing a significant premium because your lease in Folkestone has dropped toward the 80-year mark, your previous lawyer may be at fault. Our panel of experts specialise in recovering lease extension costs from negligent firms who failed to protect your investment.

Main reasons to commence your Folkestone lease extension


Main reasons to start your Folkestone lease extension today:

Increase your lease and increase your Folkestone property value

Folkestone leases on domestic properties are gradually losing value. Where your lease has in the region of 90 years unexpired, you should start thinking about a lease extension. Eighty years is a significant number: when the unexpired term of a lease drops below this level then you start paying an additional element called marriage value. Leasehold owners in Folkestone will usually be legally entitled to a lease extension; however a solicitor should be able check if you qualify. In some cases you may not be entitled. There are prescribed timetables and formalities to comply with once the process has started so it’s best to be guided by a conveyancing solicitor during the process.

Folkestone property with a lease extension has roughly the same value as a freehold

Leasehold residencies in Folkestone with over 100 years remaining on the lease are sometimes regarded as a ‘virtual freehold’. This is where the lease value the same as a freehold interest in your premises. In such situations there is often little to be gained by purchasing the freehold unless savings on ground rent and service charges justify it.

Lenders may not lend with a short lease

The trend since 2008 has been for lenders to tighten lending criteria across the board - this has extended to the property over which the mortgage is to be charged. This has meant the unexpired lease term required by lenders has increased. In the past lenders would lend on a lease with twenty years plus the term of the loan - typically 50 year leases but those requirements are being increasingly undermined by the requirement for longer and longer leases - many now have a minimum term of 75 years as standard.

Lender Requirement
Bank of Scotland
Halifax
Santander
TSB
Royal Bank of Scotland

Why use us for your lease extension in Folkestone?

Lease extensions in Folkestone can be a difficult process. We recommend you obtain guidance 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 Folkestone lease extensions and further afield, as well as any potential issues which may arise as well as problems with the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal.

Folkestone Lease Extension Example Cases:

Harry, Folkestone, Kent,

Harry was the the leasehold proprietor of a conversion flat in Folkestone being marketed with a lease of a few days over 61 years unexpired. Harry on an informal basis approached his landlord a well known Manchester-based freehold company and enquired on a premium to extend the lease. The landlord was keen to grant an extension on non-statutory terms taking the lease to 125 years subject to a new rent to start with set at £100 per annum and doubled every twenty five years thereafter. No ground rent would be payable on a lease extension were Harry to exercise his statutory right. Harry procured expert advice and was able to make an informed decision and handle with the matter and ending up with a market value flat.

Folkestone case:

Last Summer we were phoned by Dr Theo Thomas , who acquired a one bedroom apartment in Folkestone in January 2006. The dilemma was if we could approximate the premium would likely be for a 90 year extension to my lease. Similar flats in Folkestone with 100 year plus lease were worth £225,400. The mid-range amount of ground rent was £45 collected every twelve months. The lease ended in 2090. Taking into account 64 years unexpired we calculated the compensation to the landlord for the lease extension to be between £15,200 and £17,600 plus professional charges.

Folkestone case:

Last October we were e-mailed by Dr I King , who moved into a newly refurbished apartment in Folkestone in April 1995. The question was if we could approximate the premium would likely be to extend the lease by an additional years. Comparative properties in Folkestone with an extended lease were worth £270,000. The average amount of ground rent was £55 collected per annum. The lease terminated in 2101. Taking into account 75 years unexpired we calculated the premium to the freeholder for the lease extension to be between £9,500 and £11,000 plus costs.