Lawrence Stephens

We are a *team of bright minds

Claire Allan

Director
Head of Leasehold Enfranchisement
Practice areas:
Expertise includes:
  • House enfranchisement under the Leasehold Reform Act 1967
  • Lease extensions and collective enfranchisements under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993
  • Privately negotiated (voluntary) lease extensions
  • Right of first refusal, i.e. acquiring the freehold, under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987
  • Right to manage

Meet Claire

As an award winning enfranchisement specialist, I advise leaseholders and landlords in this complex field, navigating them through the statutory lease extension or collective enfranchisement process.

I have acted on some significant prime central London enfranchisements.  I provide practical advice to property owners, family offices, developers, investors, international and local corporates, high-net-worth individuals, private equity firms, sellers, purchasers, lenders and borrowers - particularly those on the London Landed Estates such as Cadogan Estate, Grosvenor Estate, John Lyon’s Charity Estate and Wellcome Trust.  I provide added value to my clients by being able to advise on all aspects of enfranchisement – a true hybrid of non-contentious and contentious work. 

Drawing on an expansive range of experience, I have a track record of leading, structuring and executing complicated enfranchisement transactions for a broad spectrum of clients.  I combine a deep understanding of the law, based on more than 15 years’ experience, with a willingness to develop creative solutions for her clients.  As a thoughtful strategist and a tenacious champion of my clients’ interests, I have attracted a host of respected clients. 

I have extensive experience in handling transactions against special categories of landlord including Ecclesiastical landlords and the Crown.  I further advise on vesting orders in relation to missing/absent landlord claims.

Experience highlights 

  • Acquiring the freehold of a prestigious block of flats from a central London freehold estate together with an intermediary leasehold interest and porter’s flat. Negotiating the freehold transfer deed free from onerous restrictive covenants
  • Structuring and advising on a valuable house claim so as to obtain the freehold under the Leasehold Reform Act 1967
  • Leading and successfully completing on a 115 flat collective claim in one of London’s Royal boroughs

"Claire is a tough, client-focused enfranchisement lawyer. She is described by peers as ‘a very smart and very good lawyer’ … with a great reputation.”