GUIDE TO SELLING A LEASEHOLD APARTMENT WITH A TENANT IN SITU
"Selling with a Tenant in Situ –Challenge or Opportunity?"
Selling a Leasehold Apartment with a Tenant in Situ? Here’s Why You Need The Apartment Department
Selling a leasehold property is already a more complex process than selling a freehold home Add a tenant in situ, and the process becomes even more specialised. But with the right support, it can be a seamless and even financially beneficial experience.
At The Apartment Department, we’re experts in both leasehold and investment sales. Whether your buyer is an owneroccupier or a landlord, we tailor our approach to match your circumstances and achieve the best outcome.
Our Promise to You
A huge number of leasehold transactions fail to complete The main reasons?
Buyers not fully understanding leasehold terms
Lawyers without leasehold expertise Delays in obtaining management company information
Issues with the lease, such as short terms or unclear ground rent clauses
The solution?
Expertise from the start. With our team in your corner, we’ll ensure your sale is structured for success by preparing everything upfront and matching your property with the right buyer.
We make leasehold sales simple. We communicate clearly, so you’re never left in the dark
We do the heavy lifting, so you don’t have to.
We care about your move as much as you do
Moving home should feel exciting – not exhausting. Whether you’re buying or selling, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
The Apartment Department – because leasehold doesn’t have to be complicated.
Martin Coombs | Senior Area Manager
Why Sell with a Tenant in Situ?
A message from Jason Jones (MARLA), Lettings Director at Bridges Apartment Department
"Selling a leasehold property with a tenant in situ might seem complex, but for the right buyer, it’s an attractive opportunity.
Many investors actively seek tenanted properties as they provide instant rental income, proven financial performance, and a hassle-free transition of ownership. By keeping your tenant in place, you eliminate vacancy costs and maximise the appeal of your property to landlords looking for a ready-made investment.
At Bridges, we specialise in connecting landlords with serious buyers, ensuring a smooth, efficient sale while protecting your rental income. Whether you’re selling to reinvest elsewhere or exiting the market, we make the process as seamless as possible."
Immediate Rental Income for Buyers
Investors are often drawn to tenanted properties because they start generating income from day one. A property with a solid rental history can be more appealing than a vacant one
Avoid Vacancy Costs
You continue receiving rental income while the property is on the market, avoiding the financial burden of an empty home.
Proven Rental History
A track record of rental income provides reassurance and financial insight for potential buyers, especially if they plan to keep the property as a buy-to-let investment.
With our specialist leasehold and lettings expertise, we’ll help you navigate the process, ensuring the best outcome for both you and your tenant.
The Challenges of Selling with a Tenant in Situ
Selling a leasehold property with a tenant in situ presents unique considerations that many landlords may not be aware of until they begin the process. These include:
Tenancy Agreements & Legal Obligations –
Understanding the terms of your current lease and tenancy agreement is crucial Can you sell mid-tenancy? What rights does your tenant have?
Buyer Type & Market Appeal – Selling to an investor may be straightforward, but an owner-occupier will likely require vacant possession, which may involve negotiating an early tenant exit.
Tenant Cooperation & Viewings – A tenant has the right to quiet enjoyment, meaning access for viewings must be handled carefully and with proper notice.
Why Specialist Support Matters
Mortgage & Lender Restrictions – Some lenders have specific criteria regarding tenanted properties, particularly if the buyer requires a residential mortgage rather than a buy-to-let.
Compliance & Documentation – Ensuring all paperwork, including tenancy agreements, EPCs, gas safety certificates, and deposit schemes, is in order can prevent delays.
Legal Complexity – Not all solicitors specialise in leasehold investment sales, leading to unnecessary hold-ups if the right expertise isn’t in place.
Choosing an agent without experience in selling tenanted leasehold properties could lead to delays, failed transactions, and unnecessary complications. Many agents lack the expertise to handle investor negotiations, tenant communication, and legal intricacies.
Choosing an agent unfamiliar with leasehold or investment sales can lead to:
Delays due to incomplete documentation
Miscommunication with tenants
Legal missteps around tenant rights
Reduced sale prices from poor buyer matching
With The Apartment Department, you avoid those risks entirely. You get a team who understands both the lease and the tenancy and who knows exactly how to guide you through to completion.
The Risks of Using Non-Specialist Agents for Leasehold Sales
Risk Impact
Delays in the Process
Lost Deals
Incorrect Advice
Hidden Costs & Surprises
Poor Communication with Freeholders & Management Companies
Agents unfamiliar with leasehold requirements may struggle to navigate legal complexities, leading to slow responses and lastminute issues that delay sales.
Unclear lease terms, unexpected ground rent escalations, or high service charges can deter buyers A specialist ensures these factors are managed effectively from the outset.
Misinterpreting lease terms, costs, and obligations can cause financial and legal problems for both sellers and buyers. Nonspecialists often fail to flag key issues, leading to disputes or deal breakdowns.
Failing to identify additional leasehold costs such as service charge increases or restrictive lease clauses—can cause buyers to pull out at the last minute, wasting time and money.
Managing agents and freeholders play a key role in leasehold transactions. Non-specialists may struggle to obtain essential information, causing unnecessary delays and frustration.
Legal Pitfalls
Leasehold sales require specialist conveyancing. Without expert guidance from the estate agent, sellers may encounter unexpected setbacks, legal complications, or financial penalties.
When it comes to leasehold properties, expertise matters – and we are the specialists you can trust.
The Apartment Department Advantage
Our unique position at the centre of these sectors ensures that we maximise your property's value while ensuring a smooth, efficient sale process.
Our Strategic Approach to Selling with a Tenant in Situ;
Preparation & Compliance
Reviewing tenancy agreements and lease terms to identify any restrictions.
Ensuring all legal documents, including compliance certificates, are in place before listing. Advising on lease extensions or adjustments to maximise market value
Targeted Marketing for the Right Buyers
Precision-targeted advertising to our network of over 2,000 landlords and investors.
Maximised exposure on leading property portals and social media.
Expert Sales Progression
A dedicated leasehold and lettings specialist managing your sale. Collaboration with experienced leasehold solicitors to prevent legal delays. Educating potential buyers on leasehold obligations to avoid lastminute issues.
Buyer Selection & Negotiation
Identifying serious investors and financially qualified buyers. Ensuring buyers work with solicitors experienced in leasehold and tenanted sales. Managing expectations to streamline negotiations and minimise disruption.
With our specialist expertise in leasehold and tenanted property sales, we ensure you achieve the best outcome while keeping your rental income secure throughout the process.
Our Customer Charter
Leasehold sales, made simple.
Buying or selling a leasehold property can feel like a maze. That’s where we come in. We know the ins and outs of leasehold sales – and we’re here to make the whole process as easy, clear, and stress-free as possible. With The Apartment Department, you’re in safe hands. Here’s what you can expect from us:
Straight-talking advice, from start to finish
No jargon, no waffle – just honest, expert advice tailored to you. We’ll break down the details, from lease lengths to service charges, so you know exactly where you stand
Clear, open communication
We keep you updated every step of the way. Whether it’s good news or a tricky situation, you’ll hear from us first –with real solutions to keep things moving.
A dedicated team on your side
You won’t be passed from pillar to post. You’ll have a Leasehold Specialist who knows your sale inside out, working hard behind the scenes to keep everything on track.
Proactive problem-solvers
Leasehold sales can sometimes hit a snag – but we’re always one step ahead. We work closely with solicitors, management companies, and other agents to smooth out any bumps in the road.
The right buyers, the best exposure
If you’re selling, we don’t just list your property and hope for the best We actively market it to the right buyers, giving it the attention it deserves If you’re buying, we’ll match you with apartments that suit you – and flag any leasehold quirks before you commit.
We keep the momentum going
Leasehold sales can take longer – but we don’t sit back and wait. We chase solicitors, nudge management companies, and keep the whole process moving, so you can buy or sell faster.
Support beyond the sale
Need help with lease extensions? Want recommendations for local services? We’re still here for you, long after the paperwork is signed.
The Apartment Department –because leasehold doesn’t have to be complicated.
The Apartment Department Team
Our dedicated team offers unparalleled knowledge and experience in leasehold property sales, ensuring every transaction runs smoothly.
LEO SPICER LeaseholdSpecialist Aldershot
HUBBARD Leasehold Specialist Ash Vale
LeaseholdSpecialist
FINDLAY LeaseholdSpecialist Farnborough
ROBINSON LeaseholdSpecialist Farnborough DEAN PHILLIP LeaseholdSpecialist Frimley
LeaseholdSpecialist Fleet
"The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team."
With years of experience in leasehold transactions, Vicky at simply conveyancing ensures every legal detail is handled smoothly preventing delays, avoiding surprises, and keeping your sale on track from start to finish
ASHLEIGH HISCOX
DANIEL
JASMINE
STEPHEN
DAVID RAMON LeaseholdSpecialist Camberley
SIMON
Your Selling Journey –
Step by Step
Step 1:
Valuation
Our expert agents assess your property and develop a strategy to secure the best price based on market insights and your individual needs
Step 2: Preparing & Marketing Your Apartment
We offer tailored marketing packages, including professional photography, video tours, and floorplans, ensuring your apartment stands out to the right buyers.
Step 3: Offers & Negotiation
We carefully assess offers, verify buyer positions, and negotiate to ensure you secure the best deal possible.
Step 4: Legal Process
Choosing the right solicitor early is key. We work closely with specialist leasehold solicitors to streamline the legal process and avoid unnecessary delays.
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2
1
4
3
Step 5: Exchange of Contracts
The final stage! On completion day, all legalities are finalised, and we assist in organising key handovers for a seamless transition 6
Once all legal work is complete, contracts are exchanged, and a move date is confirmed, bringing you one step closer to completion.
Step 6: Completion!
In summary…
Maximise Your Sale Price with Specialist Leasehold Expertise
If you decide to use the apartment department to sell your property, you can be assured that our dedicated team are trained on every part of the leasehold process and implement these skills on every sale.
If you choose to use another agency, do ask them the important points raised in this Guide, on how they are going to maximise your sale price without any delays.
With The Apartment Department, you benefit from specialist knowledge, expert negotiation, and a structured sales process designed to achieve the best possible outcome.
Feature & Benefit Breakdown
Specialist Knowledge - Our team is highly trained in leasehold transactions, ensuring a seamless experience for both buyers and sellers. We navigate leasehold complexities with confidence, eliminating confusion and offering clear, reliable guidance at every step.
Faster Sales Process - Leasehold sales often involve additional legal and administrative steps We proactively address potential delays early, ensuring a swift and efficient process that keeps your sale moving forward.
Expert Negotiation- From lease extensions to ground rent clauses and service charges, we understand the nuances of leasehold agreements This expertise ensures sellers receive the best possible outcome while buyers proceed with confidence.
Guided Support- We provide tailored resources to assist our clients at every stage of their journey.
Legal & Financial Partnerships - We partner with leading leasehold specialists, legal advisors, and financial experts to ensure a seamless transaction. Our clients gain access to professional guidance that makes the process smooth and stress-free.
Transparent Fee Structure - We believe in clarity and fairness when it comes to fees Our structured pricing offers competitive rates with exclusive discounts.
Marketing Expertise- We don’t just list properties; we market them strategically. Our targeted campaigns attract serious leasehold buyers, ensuring your property reaches the right audience for a faster and more successful sale.
Bridges Brand Strength - As part of The Bridges Group, we leverage a wellestablished and trusted brand With extensive market reach, credibility, and a track record of success, we provide the assurance that your sale is in expert hands.
