A while ago I recorded a podcast for LEASE (the Leasehold Advisory Service) on the subject missing freeholders and how to buy your freehold if you happen to be in this situation. You can listen to the podcast here: http://www.lease-advice.org/publications/documents/document.asp?item=149 This week I was delighted to provide a webinar for News on the Block, a recording of which can be found …
I am a leaseholder and I want to extend my lease but my landlord is missing. What should I do?
This is a question that often comes up in practice. If the freeholder really is missing and sufficient steps have been taken to try to find him then there is a process under which a court can accept service of a claim to an extended lease on behalf of the missing person. The claim will then be remitted to the …
Buying a leasehold property with an absent landlord
I get a lot of enquiries from investors who have been offered a leasehold property where there is apparently a ‘missing’ freehold owner. Often these properties also have what might be called ‘short’ (i.e. under 80 years remaining) leases. This article looks at some of the key issues that you will face if you are buying such a property. …