John Summers Head of Enfranchisement

John has successfully completed several hundred enfranchisement claims under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 (as amended), and the Leasehold Reform Act 1967. These claims relate to lease extensions, collective enfranchisements, and freehold acquisitions.

He also advises on Right to Manage claims under the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002, and on the Right of First Refusal under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987.

John has particular expertise in making claims against Central London Estates, including against the Grosvenor Estate, the Eyre Estate, Welcome Trust, and The Cadogan Estate, as well as substantial property owners such as the Freshwater Group.

He has been instrumental in establishing new law as to the correct test for measurement of the residential/non-residential and common parts of a building in a Collective Enfranchisement claim (Indiana Investments Ltd ~v~ Taylor 2004 3E.G.L.R.63).

Prior to Setfords, John was a partner for some 10 years at City firm DJ Freeman, before founding Summers Solicitors LLP, a West End firm specialising in property and commercial work.

A client has recently written about John:

“If you’re dealing with issues around acquiring the RTM, Freehold, sale or taking control of service charges from Assethold/Eagerstates, I highly recommend reaching out to John Summers, a specialist solicitor at Setfords. He has been fantastic in handling my case and currently has three active cases in progress relating to this.

John is experienced, responsive, and truly understands the complexities of property matters like these. If you’re in a similar situation and need expert legal help, he’s happy to assist.”

John is a member of the Association of Leasehold Enfranchisement Practitioners.

John also advises clients, both corporate and individual, on all aspects of commercial real estate transactions and contentious and non-contentious landlord and tenant matters.

He has acted for a quoted company in a landlord and tenant matter in the Cambridge Science Park, and has advised a professional body and significant education provider on their real estate transactions for many years.

John’s litigation practice also extends to High Court and County Court claims. In terms of Alternative Dispute Resolution, John has participated in numerous mediations, the great majority of which have been successfully concluded.

John’s wide experience enables him to offer advice to clients in both differing and overlapping areas of his expertise.