How we research, write, review and update every guide and calculator on LeaseVault UK.
LeaseVault content is written and reviewed by named specialists, not an anonymous "editorial team." Technical calculator methodology and valuation content is written by James Norton MRICS, a Chartered Surveyor. Legal process and overseas-buyer content is reviewed by Sarah Mitcham, a practising property solicitor.
Every article carries a byline identifying who wrote or reviewed it, alongside a "last updated" date. You can view each contributor's credentials on their author page.
Every guide is built from primary sources: UK legislation (the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 and the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024), Lands Tribunal and First-tier Tribunal decisions, RICS professional guidance, and official government guidance from GOV.UK.
Where we cite statistics on buyer trends, tax rates or market conditions, we link to the original source — HM Land Registry, HM Treasury, the Home Office, or reputable property industry publications — rather than repeating unsourced figures.
Our lease extension and freehold purchase calculators apply the standard RICS three-component valuation model: capitalised ground rent, reversion value, and marriage value (where applicable), using the deferment rates established in Sportelli v Cadogan [2007]. The full methodology, including formulas and source citations, is published on our methodology page.
Calculator outputs are estimates for guidance only. We say so clearly on every calculator page and recommend a formal RICS surveyor valuation before serving statutory notices.
Articles display a "last updated" date in the byline. We review core legislative and calculator-related content whenever there is a material legal change — such as the phased implementation of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 — and otherwise review high-traffic pages at least twice a year to keep figures, thresholds and fees current.
LeaseVault's calculators and guides are free to use. The site is supported by display advertising and, on a small number of pages, affiliate links to specialist services (such as currency transfer providers). Affiliate relationships never influence our calculator methodology or the factual content of our guides. Recommendations are disclosed where they appear.
If you believe an article or calculator contains an error, please contact us. We correct factual errors promptly and note significant corrections with an updated "last updated" date.