Robert Plant

Robert has 14 years post qualified experience as a solicitor. He trained with Tolhurst Fisher and became a partner in the commercial property department in 2008.

With significant experience in the landlord and tenant sector; Robert is now one of the leading solicitors in leasehold enfranchisement, acting for both landlords and tenants. A straight talking and commercially minded person with a keen eye for detail, Robert aims to ensure deals reach a swift conclusion with as little stress as possible.

Professional Summary
– Leasehold enfranchisement
– Lease extensions
– Right to Manage
– Absentee landlords
– First Tier Tribunal applications and representation
– Commercial property lettings, sales and acquisitions
– Business sales and acquisitions

Personal Summary
– Iron-man/triathlons
– Half marathons
– International cycling
– Skiing
– Surfing

Case Studies
1. A landlord for a residential block of flats had been taken to the First Tier Tribunal by the tenants over its claim for surveyors and managing agents fees incurred in the carrying out of Section 20 works on the block. The tenants claimed that there was no provision in the leases which allowed the landlord to recover such fees and therefore they should not be entitled to recover any and if they were allowed to then the amount was disputed as being unreasonable. The fees totalled approximately £30,000, being a substantial sum of money at risk. Robert successfully argued that the professional fees were recoverable and not only that recovered the full amount. The Tribunal decision can be found at Williams & others V Agincourt Investments Limited LON/00AL/LSC/2018/0109

2. A group of tenants were unable to either extend their leases or re-mortgage/sell their flats as they had a missing freeholder. The terms of their leases were approximately 60 years meaning that many lenders would not agree to re-mortgage their flats and any potential purchaser would not be willing to purchase the flat without the lease being extended, let alone would they be able to obtain a mortgage on the flat. Robert undertook the necessary procedure to attempt to locate the freeholder but to no avail. Following which applications were made to both the Court and First Tier Tribunal for a vesting order and subsequent determination on the premium to be paid for the freehold interest. A participation agreement was prepared by Robert and the participating tenants entered into it to provide sufficient security for those participating. Following the successful purchase of the freehold, Robert granted lease extensions to those tenants extending the term of years to 999. The tenants then had good and marketable flats in which to sell/re-mortgage.