In this episode of Listen Without Prejudice, Mark Chick, Partner in Bishop & Sewell’s Landlord & Tenant team, is joined by Chris Macartney to explore one of the more complex and niche areas of property law: leasehold enfranchisement within the Crown Estate.
While most leaseholders benefit from statutory rights under leasehold reform legislation, the Crown Estate sits outside of this framework. However, as Mark and Chris explain, the Crown will often act “by analogy” to the legislation, offering lease extensions and enfranchisement rights in a similar (but not identical) way.
The episode breaks down how this unique system works in practice, including where it applies and, crucially, where it doesn’t. Certain high-value properties, particularly those located in exempt areas around royal parks such as St James’s Park, Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, and Windsor, are excluded entirely from enfranchisement rights.
Mark and Chris also explore the key differences between Crown lease extensions and standard statutory claims, including shorter extension terms, the structure of “concurrent leases”, and the role of arbitration instead of the Tribunal in resolving disputes.
With practical insights on valuation, timelines, funding considerations, and lender involvement, this episode is essential listening for leaseholders, investors, and property professionals dealing with Crown-owned land.
Chapter Markers
(00:00) – What is the Crown Estate and why does it matter?
(01:00) – How the Crown “acts by analogy” to leasehold legislation
(03:15) – Why high-value Crown properties are excluded
(04:00) – What you can claim: lease extensions and enfranchisement rights
(05:15) – Ground rent changes following recent legislation
(06:30) – What is a concurrent (overriding) lease?
(07:30) – What happens if you can’t agree terms? Arbitration explained
(08:30) – Tight timelines: completing within two months
(09:30) – Why specialist advice is essential in Crown Estate claims
