Alison Stone Surveyors

Chartered surveyors focused on leasehold reform in Essex and London

Alison Stone Surveyors is a chartered surveying practice whose work centres on leasehold reform: valuations, negotiations and tribunal appearances for lease extensions and freehold enfranchisement. The firm advises both lessees and freeholders, a dual perspective it presents as a way of understanding how each side of a transaction operates. It states more than 20 years of experience in this field, alongside a separate reference to expertise accumulated over more than 16 years in valuations and negotiations.

The practice is led by Alison Stone, BSc (Hons), MRICS Registered Valuer. It reports membership of ALEP, the Association of Leasehold Enfranchisement Practitioners, and regulation by RICS, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. Alison Stone was named winner of the Valuer of the Year category at the Enfranchisement and Right to Manage Awards 2023, according to the firm's own announcement.

Lease extensions and freehold purchase

The core service is the valuation and negotiation of lease extensions. The firm explains that extending a lease prevents property value from falling as the lease shortens and can remove an unsuitable ground rent, either of which may complicate a sale. A second route it handles is the purchase of the freehold, described as another way to extend the lease, eliminate the ground rent and gain control of the property.

For leasehold houses with a short lease or unreasonable ground rent, the practice works under the Leasehold Reform Act 1967, either to extend the lease or to buy the freehold. It also deals with head lease houses and Section 5 notices.

Negotiation and First-tier Tribunal representation

Most cases are resolved through negotiation, but where that fails either party can apply to the First Tier Tribunal (Property Division) for a decision. The firm offers advice and representation in tribunal proceedings, positioning this as a way to pursue the best available outcome for a case. Its stated method includes working alongside specialist solicitors so that clients receive coordinated advice through the process.

Free lease health check

The practice offers a free, no-obligation Lease Health Check aimed at buyers before purchase, verifying that the lease length and ground rent are reasonable. The same check is presented as a way for existing leaseholders to judge whether the time is right to act.

Training for surveyors and valuers

Beyond client work, Alison Stone Surveyors provides professional development for other practitioners. Its online course, Mastering Lease Extension Valuations, is aimed at surveyors; the site indicated a return edition in March 2025 at £450 plus VAT (£540), with early-bird booking in January at £350 plus VAT (£420) per person. One-to-one tuition is also available, in person or by Zoom, with content customised to the participant's needs and schedule. A further online short course on freehold enfranchisement was announced as forthcoming, with interest registration by email.

The firm also reports speaking engagements on leasehold reform, including a presentation at the Residential Surveying Expo 2024 and a Zoom seminar for surveyors in April 2024.

Coverage across the South East

The practice lists lease extension and freehold purchase services by area for Essex, London, Surrey, Hertfordshire, Maidenhead, Reading and Guildford. Its registered address is in Southend-on-Sea, Essex.