Enfranchising house (51yrs. unexpired); cannot trace old RV

[leasehold house]

We would like to buy our home of 22 years or extend our 51 year lease. Our house was built from two adjoined cottages, these previous properties when the lease began in the 60's were derelict and condemned, yet their rateable values were not altered to show what would have been nil on the valuation lists. The lists are now 'closed' as it is now Council Tax, so this cant be rectified and even with all the signed proof, it seems that it is not recognised, it has to have been written in the old books. Surely if there is this evidence of the condition this ought to be good enough. The Rates/valuation officers in the past did not realize the serious consequences of their not keeping detailed records.
Has anyone else faced this same problem? Is there an answer? Is this nil valuation needed to extend the lease?

[quarterday]

I suggest you engage a specialist to advise you in this highly complex matter. There are loads of firms who have sprung up who claim competence but you in the writers' view far better off going on to the website of ALEP, the Association of Leasehold Enfranchisment Practitioners, and picking someone reasonably close to you. One you've picked out the names of one or two enfranchisement specialists, Google them to see what you can find as to their recent track record. Go for a really good quality advisor, not necesssarily the cheapest. In what part of the country are you located?

[quarterday]

I wouldn't worry about the RV issue. Clearly there are premises where enfranchisement has occurred since RV was abolished

[Corinne Tuplin]

Hi there,

Rateable values were abolished some time ago and no longer apply to enfranchisement valuations. If you are interested in obtaining an initial valuation as to your freehold value, Pro-Leagle offers a Freehold Valuation for £94.00 (inc. VAT) which comprises the Special Valuation basis.

Kind regards,


CORINNE TUPLIN
PRO-LEAGLE
www.proleagle.com