What is Collective Enfranchisement?

Collective Enfranchisement is your legal right as leaseholders to buy the freehold of your building together, giving you complete ownership and control forever.

The Ultimate Solution

Unlike Right to Manage (which only gives you management control), Collective Enfranchisement means you own the building outright. You become the freeholder, can eliminate ground rents, extend leases to 999 years, and have complete control over your property forever.

Benefits of Collective Enfranchisement

Own your building, control your future, and save money for life

Full Ownership of Your Building

Own the freehold completely - you become the freeholder and control everything about your building

Eliminate Ground Rent Forever

No more annual ground rent payments. Keep that money in your pocket and increase your property value

Extend Leases to 999 Years

Give yourself and neighbours 999-year leases at no extra premium - just legal costs

Complete Management Control

Choose your managing agent, set budgets, approve major works, and manage the building exactly how you want

Add Significant Property Value

Properties with share of freehold typically sell for more and are more attractive to buyers and mortgage lenders

Long-term Security

Never worry about lease length again. Protect your investment for generations to come

The Collective Enfranchisement Process

Five key steps to buy your freehold and gain complete ownership

1

Check Eligibility & Build Support

Confirm your building qualifies and get at least 50% of leaseholders on board to start the process

2

Form Nominee Purchaser Company

Create a company to buy and hold the freehold on behalf of all participating leaseholders

3

Serve Section 13 Notice

Formally notify the freeholder of your intention to buy the freehold and start negotiations

4

Negotiate or Tribunal

Agree on price with freeholder or go to First-tier Tribunal if you can't reach agreement

5

Complete Purchase

Transfer the freehold to your company and grant new 999-year leases to all participants

Do You Qualify for Collective Enfranchisement?

Most leaseholders in England and Wales can buy their freehold together. Key requirements include:

Building contains 2+ flats
At least 2/3 of flats held on long leases
No more than 25% commercial space
At least 50% of leaseholders must participate
You must be a qualifying leaseholder
Building not owned by charitable housing trust

What Does Collective Enfranchisement Cost?

Understanding the investment that will save you money for years to come

Premium to Freeholder

The main cost - varies by building value, lease lengths, and ground rents. Typically £500-£2,000 per flat, but can be higher for valuable properties or short leases.

Your Professional Fees

Surveyor, solicitor, and other costs. Usually £1,500-£3,000 per flat depending on complexity. We help minimize these through our efficient process.

Freeholder's Costs

You pay the freeholder's reasonable professional fees. Usually £500-£1,500 per flat. These are capped by law to prevent abuse.

Remember: This is an Investment

While the upfront cost may seem significant, you'll typically save money within 3-5 years through eliminated ground rent, reduced service charges, and increased property value. Plus, you gain 999-year leases worth tens of thousands per flat.

Collective Enfranchisement vs Right to Manage

Understanding the difference between management control and full ownership

Collective Enfranchisement

  • Own the freehold completely
  • • Eliminate ground rent forever
  • • 999-year leases at no extra premium
  • • Complete control over everything
  • • Significant increase in property value
  • • Higher upfront cost but maximum benefits
  • • Protection for generations

Right to Manage

  • • Management control only
  • • Freeholder still owns the building
  • • Still pay ground rent (if applicable)
  • • Leases still diminish over time
  • • Lower upfront cost
  • • Good stepping stone to enfranchisement
  • • Limited long-term protection

Our Recommendation: If you can afford it, Collective Enfranchisement gives you the most benefits and long-term security. RTM can be a good first step if you need to build support gradually.

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Take the first step towards complete ownership and control of your property