Leasehold Group devastated at loss of Sophie Lyall

Whilst passionate about her work at Leasehold Valuers and always striving to act in the best interests of the company’s leaseholder clients, Sophie was studying a BSc (Hons) degree in Estate Management at the University College of Estate Management and was due to graduate in December 2020. She had a fantastic rapport with her colleagues, and she was well-liked and respected by many professionals in the specialist Leasehold Reform sector.

Sophie became unwell at the beginning of April. She had developed two blood clots on her lungs and suffered a cardiac arrest on Sunday, 5 April. After three long weeks of battling in hospital - of which her loved ones are immensely proud - she tragically lost the fight in the early hours of Monday, 27 April.

Anna Bailey, CEO of the Leasehold Group of companies, says “The whole team is deeply shocked and saddened by the loss of our dear colleague and friend, Sophie. She was a ‘ray of sunshine’ and an absolute joy to be around, with a wildly inappropriate sense of humour and a truly infectious laugh. We are honoured to have worked alongside her for nearly seven years; during that time, we had seen her blossom into a determined and commercially astute businesswoman with a natural flair for leadership and exceptional negotiation skills. She was also an incredible mother to her three-year old daughter. We all miss her enormously.”

Steve Jones, Director of Valuation at Leasehold Valuers, adds “Sophie already had a background in property before she joined us, having worked for the Estates Gazette and a local auctioneer. She took to Leasehold Reform work almost instantly and I could see from quite early on that she had the passion and drive to eventually qualify as a chartered surveyor. Her university principal has written to me to say what a wonderful student she was. Not only is Sophie a great loss to our company, she is a great loss to the profession, too – as I have no doubt she would have sailed through her APC after she graduated”.

Sophie is survived by both of her parents and her sister, as well as her long-term partner – Joe – and their daughter – Audrey – with whom she shared her home in Surrey. Sophie’s funeral took place at Croydon Crematorium on Tuesday 12 May. 

The family have set up JustGiving pages for five of the charities that have played a part in their lives over the years. Should anyone wish to donate in Sophie’s honour, the links for these pages are available via the Leasehold Valuers’ website – www.leasehold-valuers.com