Rooks Rider Solicitors LLP has been named ‘Solicitors Firm of the Year’ at the Enfranchisement and Right To Manage Awards 2013 (ERMAs), one of the most prestigious awards recognising professional excellence in leasehold enfranchisement work.
Lucy Riley, a Senior Associate at Rooks Rider and leading lawyer in the field of leasehold enfranchisement, explains more about this area of expertise: “Leasehold Enfranchisement is the process whereby tenants of residential property can acquire the freehold to their house or to their flats collectively, take over the management of the building of which their flat forms part, or in individual cases, extend their leases by 90 years.”
The specialist Leasehold Enfranchisement team at Rooks Rider has acted for a large number of leaseholders, principally high net worth individuals, helping them to acquire their freeholds and obtain lease extensions. They also act for landlords, where their tenants have made such applications, and they are regularly asked by other law firms to advise on an agency basis, with frequent referrals from law firms who don’t have enfranchisement specialists.
Lucy continues: “There are many benefits to enfranchisement. By collectively, with other flat owners, buying the freehold of your block, you may increase the value of your property. You are also likely to have greater control over any expenditure on or modifications made to the property, increased management control and possibly lower management charges.
“We are delighted to have won such a prestigious award. I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who provided outstanding testimonials in support of our Awards submission. We would also like to thank the judging panel who acknowledged that there was fierce competition throughout the categories. As such, we are all very proud. To receive such recognition speaks volumes about the technical expertise and excellent service provided by Rooks Rider.”
Lead sponsor, News on the Block, which provides help and advice for flat owners, says: “This is not only the 5th year of the ERMA’s, but also 20 years since the enactment of the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 which has had a huge influence on this area of practice. This makes the awards this year extra special.
“We received a significant amount of entries for this year’s ERMAs, demonstrating the dedication and passion (and competitive nature!) of those working in the industry.”
The ERMAs took place on 6 June 2013 at Quaglinos in London. For more information about the Awards, visit www.theermas.co.uk.
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