15th ALEP Conference: Landmark Event Unravels the Science of Leasehold Enfranchisement

A sell-out success, the conference – once again sponsored by Kerry London – welcomed over 250 delegates, demonstrating just how far the Association has come since its first event, which played host to just 40 guests.

Many of the delegates represented ALEP’s 170 member organisations, and were joined by peers from the wider property sector and the press. 

ALEP is committed to promoting best practice specifically in the enfranchisement sector and prides itself on being progressive, innovative and responsive to member feedback. As a result, breakout sessions were reintroduced for this landmark event, which enabled delegates once again to specialise by attending either a valuation or legal masterclass.

Mark Chick, ALEP Director and Partner, Bishop & Sewell, hosted the event, which began with a session on Schedule 10 and its application to enfranchisement valuation, presented by Katherine Simpson, Partner, Head of Residential Real Estate, Pemberton Greenish. 
The valuation masterclass was led by James Wilson, Partner and Head of Valuation, W.A.Ellis, who led a discussion and lively Q&A session in the Faraday Theatre on current valuation topics, including recent case decisions. Mark Loveday, Barrister Tanfield Chambers, took charge of the legal masterclass and introduced the topic of missing landlords, vesting orders and the alternatives, to 100 delegates in the Conversation Room. 

Afternoon tea and more networking was followed by a presentation from Sophie Chick and Chris Buckle of Savills Residential Research team. Both speakers impressed delegates with an excellent and informative presentation, which covered current market conditions in the UK residential property market, and key research issues, including use of indices and factors affecting relativity.
Philip Rainey QC, always a popular speaker, gave the traditional case update presenting an overview of some of the most important decisions in recent months and assessing their impact on the enfranchisement sector.

ALEP announced the imminent launch of a new website, with improved features for consumers and members, and also updated delegates with news of the Association’s involvement in further lobbying of parliament about leasehold matters.

ALEP’s Spring Conference will be held on Tuesday 21 March, again at The Royal Institution, Mayfair.