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Right of First Refusal Solicitors

Ensure a smooth and legally compliant sale with expert guidance on the Right of First Refusal (RFR). Protect your interests and avoid costly mistakes.

Whether you’re a landlord selling a freehold or a leaseholder considering an offer, our Right of First Refusal solicitors provide specialist support for complex leasehold transactions, with a clear focus on long-term ownership, not short-term rental matters.

If you’re a landlord, you may be legally required to offer the freehold to leaseholders before selling on the open market. If you’re a leaseholder, the RFR gives you a valuable opportunity to purchase the freehold of your building, but strict legal timelines and procedural rules apply.

We act for both landlords and leaseholders, offering clear advice, rapid support, and deep expertise in leasehold property law.

Get expert advice before you sell

Why work with our expert Right of First Refusal solicitors?

While the RFR process is procedurally clear, it’s easy to make costly mistakes, especially under tight timeframes or when multiple leaseholders are involved. We regularly help:

Landlords selling freeholds and needing to serve valid notices
Tenants or groups of leaseholders responding to offers
Managing agents and professionals coordinating sales

Expert guidance on notice requirements and legal obligations

We’ll ensure your notice is correctly drafted, served on time, and fully compliant with the Landlord and Tenant Act – reducing risk and giving you peace of mind.

Fast, responsive service that keeps your matter moving

We understand the urgency involved in freehold sales. Our expert Right of First Refusal solicitors act promptly at every stage to prevent unnecessary delays and keep your transaction on track.

Clear, jargon-free advice so you stay in control

We break down complex legal steps into practical guidance, so you always know what’s happening and what’s required – no legalese, just clear direction.

What is the Right of First Refusal?

Under Part 1 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987, as amended by the Housing Act 1996, leaseholders must be given the first opportunity to purchase the freehold interest on the same terms as any proposed sale to a third party.

This means:

You must serve a formal offer notice to all qualifying leaseholders.
You cannot negotiate or sell to another party during the notice period.
You cannot offer the freehold to anyone else on better terms or at a lower price.

Failing to comply is not just a technical breach – it’s a criminal offence. If you sell without allowing leaseholders to buy, they have the right to demand full details of the sale and can compel the new owner to sell it back to them at the original purchase price.

What happens after the notice is served?

Once the formal offer notice has been served, the next steps follow a strict legal process and getting them right is crucial. This stage determines whether leaseholders will accept the offer and move forward with the purchase. While the procedure is clearly set out in law, it can involve coordination, tight timelines, and potential delays if not handled efficiently.

Here’s what landlords need to know about what happens next.

More than 50% of the leaseholders must accept the offer within the timeframe specified in your notice
Those leaseholders will then need to nominate a company to complete the purchase
You’ll be required to send the contract of sale to that company and proceed to exchange and completion in line with the terms initially offered

We help both landlords and tenants manage this process – from preparing documents to meeting deadlines and navigating legal complexities.

Need to serve an RFR Notice or respond to one?

Whether you’re a landlord preparing to sell or a tenant responding to a notice, our expert Right of First Refusal solicitors can help you understand your legal position, avoid costly errors, and take the right steps. We provide clear, practical advice to ensure you meet your legal obligations and avoid costly delays or disputes. With deep experience in complex leasehold matters, we make the process straightforward from start to finish.

Call us today on 01245 493959, email us, or fill out our contact form to get started.

Can leaseholders reject the offer of purchasing the freehold?

Yes, leaseholders have the option to reject the offer. If they choose not to proceed with the purchase, the landlord is free to sell the freehold to a third party, but only on the same terms as offered to the leaseholders and within the specified timeframes. Speak to our legal team to ensure you handle the process correctly.

How do I serve the Right of First Refusal notice?

To serve the notice, landlords must provide leaseholders with formal written notification of the proposed sale, detailing the terms and conditions. The notice must be served in accordance with legal requirements and within the specified timeframe, typically at least two months before the sale. Need assistance with drafting or serving the notice? Contact our specialist Right of First Refusal solicitors today for expert guidance.

How long does the Right of First Refusal process take?

Timelines are set out by legislation, typically giving leaseholders two months to respond to the offer. However, the entire process, from serving the notice to completion, can take several months depending on leaseholder coordination and legal complexities. If you need help managing timelines or ensuring a smooth process, speak to our specialist Right of First Refusal solicitors for expert support and guidance every step of the way.