Agents warned to get it right over leasehold listings or face accusations of mis-selling in future

As estate agents and portals come under pressure over the advertising and selling of leasehold properties, a new workshop has been announced to give advice.

The Leasehold Solutions Group’s seminar is aimed at helping agents fully understand imminent changes in leasehold legislation.

The half-day session on February 4 will be led by leasehold expert Louie Burns of The Leasehold Solutions Group and Mark Chick, partner of law firm Bishop & Sewell LLP.

Burns said: “Estate agents are facing mounting pressure to ensure they are listing leasehold properties correctly by providing prospective buyers with the information they need to make an informed decision.

“There is a high chance that failure to disclose these details could lead to accusations of mis-selling in the future.”

He went on: “It is right that estate agents and online property portals should be transparent and provide home buyers with key details about the lease, including the number of years remaining, and the cost of any service charges and ground rent.

“However, we recognise that leasehold is a very complex area and estate agents are facing a steep learning curve to get up to speed with the ever-changing face of the leasehold system.

“Our training is intended to ensure estate agents fully understand the imminent changes in legislation to enable them to market and advise on leasehold properties most effectively and avoid any accusations of mis-selling.