News and Articles

Free debt advice clinic

30/03/2020

We are now running free debt advice webinars for leaseholders who are worried about how they will pay their service charge and ground rents in the upcoming months. The webinars will cover: know your rights, the dos and don'ts, practical tips, negotiating, major works and long-term planning. Please contact us on advice@commonlease.co.uk for further details. The webinars will be running weekly for at least the next month. The sessions will be updated as we navigate our way through the pandemic.

Hannah Brace and Emily Fitzpatrick accepted as NHS volunteers

26/03/2020

We are very proud that Hannah and Emily have been accepted as NHS volunteers during what will no doubt be a difficult time for many. Hannah and Emily already work tirelessly within their communities and we have no doubt that they will continue their hard work to help as many people as possible.

Mari Knowles invited to speak at Southwark Homeowners' Conference

07/03/2020

The Southwark Homeowners' Conference is the biggest conference organised by and for leaseholders in the country and is always very well attended. Mari Knowles will be speaking with Amanda Gourlay of Tanfield Chambers on "Service charge disputes in the First-tier Tribunal" covering the basics from start to finish. It will be followed by an extended Q&A session. To book your place, please book here: https://southwarkhomeowners.co.uk/conference-registration/

The Competition and Markets Authority finds evidence of serious issues in leasehold selling

28/02/2020

The CMA has now published a preliminary review of an ongoing investigation into mis-selling of properties. It interestingly takes a view on whether leases based on a Retail Index-Linked clause might now also be problematic. Read the full paper here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cma-finds-evidence-of-serious-issues-in-leasehold-selling

What is an onerous lease?

19/02/2020

Mari Knowles assists respected barrister, Amanda Gourlay, of Tanfield Chambers with a detailed look at what might constitute an "onerous" lease, with a particular emphasis on ground rents. This article follows years of investigation into the "ground rent scandal". The blog takes a look at the current position in anticipation of the Competition and Market Authority's expected report into onerous leases. Read the full article here: https://www.lawandlease.co.uk/2020/02/19/what-is-an-onerous-lease/

LexisNexis publishes updated Commonhold Edition

10/02/2020

LexisNexis has now published the updated commonhold edition, providing a valuable resource for those looking to purchase a commonhold unit. It includes a helpful narrative section together with a range of useful templates. Mari Knowles was absolutely delighted to be asked to work on this latest edition using her knowledge and skills on commonhold. Commonhold may substantially change in the upcoming years as a result of reforms being proposed by the Law Commission, but at least for now, the edition is up-to-date!

Law Commission's controversial valuation report published

09/01/2020

Following on from years of work, the Law Commission has now published its much-awaited report on enfranchisement valuations. It looks at the options for reducing the price payable by leaseholders. Read their full paper here:

Happy New Year!

The team wishes everyone a Happy New Year! The team is really excited about what is to come this year. We are in the middle of a rigorous overhaul of the commonhold and leasehold systems and anticipate a busy year on this alone. We have some exciting projects on the horizon too, coupled with an expanding team. Watch this space!