If you own a flat and want to extend your lease or buy the freehold, your first point of call is probably to go and look it up on Google, writes David Lawrenson.

If you do, you will find lots of solicitors, surveyors, valuers and specialist enfranchisement companies that can handle part of the process (or in a few cases, the whole process) and will be anxious to help.

But how do you know if these firms have the necessary skills or track record?

Luckily, a new body will be able to help you.

Sadly, the business of enfranchising or extending a lease contains quite few rogues. For example, one company will tell you for £75 if the block is available for enfranchisement - something you can find out for free by doing a bit of research.