01 May 2008
May 2008
PRESS RELEASE
PROPERTY PROFESSIONALS TO CREATE WORKING PARTY TO OVERHAUL OF LEASEHOLD PROPERTY REGULATION
A conference comprised of over 80 specialists in the field of Leasehold Enfranchisement come together on 29 April with a view to lobbying the government to streamline the creaking regulatory framework.
The delegates split into two groups, one mainly comprising surveyors and the other solicitors.
Urgent issues that need dealing with include:
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Abandon two-year ownership condition for serving Notice for lease extensions. This seems unnecessary since it has not been applied to freehold acquisition Notices.
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There were vocal calls for power-of-attorney for signing of Notices. Many lessees are overseas or elderly and this causes unnecessary complications for lessees. It was noted that solicitors can sign Counter-Notices in contrast.
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Non-Specialist such as estate agents have a poor awareness of leasehold enfranchisement issues. There was a call for a body like ALEP to be more extensively involved in publicity and awareness campaigns.
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The notice serving procedure is riddled with “bear traps”. Errors in minor detail can derail an enfranchisement. The process should be simplified to reduce the number of such trivial issues.
The conference also included presentations from
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Housing Ombudsman Dr Michael Biles
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Leasehold specialist barrister Thomas Jeffries who was initimately involved with the pivotal Sportelli judgments
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Commentator and author Kat Callo of Rosetta Consulting
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Former chief executive of government-finance Leasehold Advisory Service, Peter Haler
Available upon request are:
- Audio of the speakers.
- Hi resolution images of the conference and speakers
BACKGROUND TO ALEP
Members of ALEP have proved that they have been involved in successful enfranchisement projects, they have the appropriate insurance and accreditations and agree to sign up to a set of standards and principles. ALEP has a strict code of practice and clear disciplinary procedure an will remove any member found to be in default.
ALEP undertakes a lobbying role and is a single port of call for media and others interested in understanding the present and future state of leasehold enfranchisement. It is the only cross-disciplinary membership body that represents professionals in the sector.
Notes to editors
Details on the legislation are available upon request.
Contact us at info@alep.org.uk or 0845 225 2277.
More information is available at www.alep.org.uk.
