I have Fifty Six years remaining on my lease and need a lease extension for my apartment in Braintree. Conveyancing solicitors on the Virgin panel can deal with such extensions correct?

Most leasehold conveyancing experts should be able to deal with a lease extension. if you are securing a mortgage then your lender may insist that the lease be extended before competition. Virgin have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook in relation to minimum unexpired lease terms. As of 28/1/2026 the requirements read as follows :

Should commercial conveyancing searches reveal planned roadworks that could affect a commercial property in Braintree?

Many commercial conveyancing solicitors in Braintree will carry out a SiteSolutions Highways report as it reduces the time that conveyancers invest in looking into accurate data on highways that impact buildings and development assets in Braintree. The report sets out definitive data on the adoption status of roads, footpaths and verges, as well as the implication of traffic schemes and the rights of way surrounding a commercial development sites in Braintree.

For each commercial conveyancing transaction in Braintree it is critical to investigate the adoption status of roads surrounding a site. Failure to identify developments where adoption procedures have not been addressed adequately could cause delays to Braintree commercial conveyancing deals as well as present a risk to future intentions for the site. These searches are not ordered for domestic conveyancing in Braintree.

In what way can the Landlord & Tenant Act 1954 impact my commercial premises in Braintree and how can you help?

The particular law that you refer to gives security of tenure to business lessees, granting the a statutory right to apply to court for a new lease and remain in occupation at the end of the lease term. There are limited grounds that a landlord can refrain from granting a lease renewal and the rules are involved. We are happy to direct you to commercial conveyancing solicitors who use the act for protection and assist with commercial conveyancing in Braintree

Am I best advised to instruct a Braintree conveyancing lawyer based in the area that I am buying? I have an old university friend who can conduct the conveyancing however his firm is located approximately 350miles away.

The benefit of a local Braintree conveyancing practice is that you can drop in to execute paperwork, deliver your identification documents and pester them if necessary. They will also have local intelligence which is a bonus. However nothing is more important than finding someone that will pull out all the stops for you. If other friends have used your friend and the majority were impressed that should trump using an unknown Braintree conveyancing solicitor solely due to them being based in the area.

I am looking at a two apartments in Braintree which have about fifty years left on the leases. Do I need to be concerned?

There are no two ways about it. A leasehold flat in Braintree is a wasting asset as a result of the shortening lease. The nearer the lease gets to zero years unexpired, the more it adversely affects the salability of the property. For most purchasers and banks, leases with under 75 years become less and less marketable. On a more positive note, leaseholders can extend their leases by serving a Section 42 Notice. One stipulation is that they must have owned the property for two years (unlike a Section 13 notice for purchasing the freehold, when leaseholders can participate from day one of ownership). When successful, they will have the right to an extension of 90 years to the current term and ground rent is effectively reduced to zero. Before moving forward with a purchase of a residence with a short lease term remaining you should talk to a solicitor specialising in lease extensions and leasehold enfranchisement. We are are happy to put you in touch with Braintree conveyancing experts who will explain the options available to you during an initial telephone conversation free of charge. A more straightforward and quicker method of extending would be to contact your landlord directly and sound him out on the prospect of extending the lease. You may find he or she is happy to negotiate informally and willing to consider your offer straight off, without having to involve anyone else. This will save you time and money and it could help you reach a lower price on the lease. You need to ensure that any new terms represent good long-term value compared with the standard benefits of the Section 42 Notice and that onerous clauses are not inserted into any redrafting of the lease.

Leasehold Conveyancing in Braintree - Sample of Questions you should consider Prior to buying

How long is the Lease? Its a good idea to find out as much as possible about the company managing the building as they will either make your living at the property much simpler or a lot more difficult. As the proprietor of a leasehold property you will be at the mercy of the managing agents from a financial perspective and when it comes to every day issues like the cleanliness of the communal areas. Enquire of other tenants if they are happy with their service. Finally, investigate as to the dates that you are obliged pay the service charge to the managing agents and specifically how they are spending that money.