Lease extension solicitors

We advise leaseholders across England and Wales on their legal rights and options. Whether you’re selling, remortgaging, or planning ahead, getting the right support early can make all the difference.

When should you extend your lease?

If your lease has 85–90 years left, it's worth considering. If it's under 80 years, it's usually urgent.

Once a lease falls below 80 years, the premium to extend increases sharply due to something called marriage value — an additional payment owed to the freeholder. Mortgage lenders may also be reluctant to lend on shorter leases, which can put off buyers and complicate remortgaging.

Extending your lease early is usually more cost-effective — and keeps your options open.

Do you qualify for a statutory lease extension?

Under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 (as amended), most leaseholders have the right to a statutory lease extension if they own a long lease of a flat.

As of 31 January 2025, you no longer need to have owned the flat for two years. You can start the process as soon as you're the registered owner.

The qualification rules were simplified as part of the government’s leasehold reform programme, making it easier for leaseholders to act sooner.

The statutory route gives you the right to:

• Add 90 years to your lease.
• Reduce ground rent to a nominal 'peppercorn'.
• Rely on a clear legal process if the freeholder delays or disputes the terms.

What's the difference between formal and informal lease extensions?

There are two ways to extend a lease:

• Formal lease extension: A legal process governed by the 1993 Act. It offers set timeframes and protections. You serve a Section 42 notice on the freeholder and can apply to a tribunal if needed.
   
• Informal lease extension: You negotiate terms directly with the freeholder. It can be quicker — but comes with fewer protections. Freeholders may try to increase ground rent or add unfavourable terms.

Whichever route you choose, we’ll ensure your interests are fully protected and that you understand each stage before committing to any terms.

The lease extension process

We'll guide you through every step — from checking your eligibility and instructing a valuer to negotiating terms and registering your new lease.

While each case is different, the typical steps include:

1. Check the lease and ownership details.
2. Get a lease extension valuation from a specialist surveyor.
3. Choose the formal or informal route and notify the freeholder.
4. Negotiate terms with support from your solicitor.
5. Register the lease extension with HM Land Registry.

What does it cost to extend a lease?

Costs vary depending on the remaining lease term, the property's value, and the ground rent. The earlier you act, the lower the premium is likely to be.

We'll explain the likely costs upfront, including any valuation and legal fees, and offer fixed-fee pricing for most standard lease extension matters.

Working with leaseholders in the same building

If you and other leaseholders in the same building are looking to extend your leases at the same time, we can help you coordinate the process. This approach can streamline negotiations with the freeholder and, in some cases, reduce costs for everyone involved.

Why choose us

Our solicitors specialise in leasehold law and work closely with valuers and managing agents nationwide. You’ll receive clear, practical advice and strong representation from lawyers who deal with lease extensions every day.

We are proud members of the Association of Leasehold Enfranchisement Practitioners (ALEP), the UK’s leading professional body for leasehold specialists. Our membership recognises our expertise in handling complex lease extension and enfranchisement matters.

Speak to our lease extension solicitors

We act for leaseholders across England and Wales, providing clear, fixed-fee advice on both formal and informal lease extensions. Whether you're based locally or further afield, our solicitors are here to help.

We have offices in London, Brighton, Eastbourne, Hastings, and Ulverston — but location isn't a barrier. Wherever you're based, you'll have direct contact with an experienced solicitor who will guide you through the process from start to finish.

Get in touch for clear, practical advice on extending your lease. We'll help you understand your position and take the right next step — wherever you are in the process.