Judge & Priestley Strengthens Specialist Leasehold Services Offering

Judge & Priestley Solicitors (J&P) is highlighting the expertise of its specialist Lease Extensions and Leasehold Enfranchisement team, which advises both leaseholders and landlords on a wide range of residential leasehold property matters.

L-R: Robin Downing, Cristiana Ion Popescu, Lewis Myatt and Joe Genco.

Based within the firm’s Residential Conveyancing department, the dedicated team is led by Associate Solicitor Lewis Myatt and includes Joe Genco, Senior Associate Solicitor, Cristiana Ion Popescu, Solicitor, and Robin Downing, Paralegal.

The team provides specialist advice on lease extensions, collective enfranchisement, freehold acquisitions and other complex leasehold matters, helping clients protect the value of their property interests and navigate what can often be a highly technical area of law.

Leasehold enfranchisement broadly covers the legal rights available to leaseholders to either extend their lease or acquire the freehold of their property. As lease terms reduce over time, properties can become more difficult to sell or remortgage, making early legal advice particularly important.

The team regularly acts for individual leaseholders seeking to extend the lease of a flat or house, as well as groups of leaseholders wishing to collectively purchase the freehold of their building. They also advise landlords and freeholders, giving the team valuable insight into the interests and obligations of all parties involved.

In addition to enfranchisement work, the team advises on:

• Lease extensions
• Collective freehold purchases
• Tenants’ Right of First Refusal matters
• Deeds of variation
• Licences to alter or assign properties
• Landlord and management company enquiries
• Interpretation of lease obligations and rights

Lewis Myatt, Associate Solicitor, said: “Leasehold property ownership can often be confusing, particularly when clients are faced with issues such as shortening lease terms, freehold acquisitions or questions about their rights and responsibilities under a lease. Our aim is to provide clear, practical advice that enables clients to make informed decisions and protect the long-term value of their property. We act for both leaseholders and landlords, which gives us a broad perspective on the issues involved and helps us find pragmatic solutions for all parties.”

The team has seen growing demand for specialist leasehold advice as property owners become increasingly aware of the impact that short leases can have on property value and mortgageability.

Working closely with colleagues across J&P’s wider Property Services teams, the specialists are able to support clients throughout the lifecycle of property ownership, from acquisition and financing through to lease extensions, freehold purchases and ongoing property management matters.

Madelaine Henwood, Equity Partner and Head of Residential Conveyancing, commented: “Leasehold law can be particularly challenging for clients to navigate without expert support. Lewis and the team have built an excellent reputation for delivering practical, commercially focused advice in this specialist area. Their expertise strengthens our Residential Conveyancing offering and ensures that clients have access to dedicated support whenever complex leasehold issues arise.”

Judge & Priestley Solicitors is a Top 200 UK law firm with offices in Bromley, London, Beckenham, Blackheath and Sidcup, providing legal services to individuals and businesses across London and the South East.

For advice on lease extensions, leasehold enfranchisement or other residential leasehold matters, contact the team on 020 8290 0333 or info@judge-priestley.co.uk