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Lease Extension

How our lease extension solicitors can help

Extending your lease can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether it's complex property laws or negotiating terms with your landlord, our expert lease extension solicitors are here to simplify the process. With Lawhive, you get expert legal advice tailored to your needs - quickly and affordably. Here’s how we can help:

Why choose Lawhive for your lease extension solicitor?

Extending a lease can be a complex journey, but Lawhive can make it straightforward and stress-free. Here’s why we’re the smart choice:

• Expertise in lease extensions: Lease extensions are a niche area of property law, and our solicitors know it inside out. From understanding the Leasehold Reform Act to navigating the complexities of statutory and informal lease extensions, we connect you with the best lease extension solicitors who can deliver results.

• Clear, fixed pricing: Confused by legal bills? At Lawhive, we offer transparent, fixed-fee pricing from the outset. You’ll know exactly what you’re paying for with no hidden costs, so you can plan confidently.

• Affordable advice: Why overpay for legal support? Our network of solicitors can be up to 50% cheaper than traditional high-street firms. With Lawhive, you’ll access affordable, high-quality advice tailored to your budget.

• Fast legal support: Time is of the essence, especially with lease extensions. We’ll connect you with a lease extension lawyer within two working days, ensuring you can move forward without unnecessary delays.

Who are our lease extension lawyers?

We only select the best professionals to join our network of solicitors. Before we work with any solicitor, our Legal Assessment Team conducts rigorous background checks. They verify qualifications, examine professional experience, and collect client reviews to ensure they meet our high standards. Here's how we ensure our property lawyers are among the best in the business:

• Fully qualified and SRA-regulated: Every solicitor in our network meets the highest professional standards. They are fully qualified and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), ensuring they adhere to strict legal and ethical guidelines.

• Years of specialised experience: Our solicitors bring years of hands-on experience to the table, often specialising exclusively in residential property cases. They have a deep understanding of leasehold law including intricate legalities like strict timelines, valuation disputes and negotiation nuances.

• Proven track record of success: We don’t just take solicitors at their word - we thoroughly vet their credentials and performance. From reviewing client testimonials to examining case histories, we ensure each solicitor in our network has a proven record of delivering positive outcomes.

How much does a lease extension solicitor cost?

The cost of hiring a lease extension solicitor varies based on your case’s complexity. At Lawhive, our services start at just £149 for an initial case assessment (up to 10 pages), including personalised legal advice. We’ll always provide a fixed-fee quote tailored to your needs, ensuring transparency and no unexpected surprises.

What other costs are there?

Beyond solicitor fees, there are additional costs to consider when extending a lease. These can include:

• Valuation fees: A surveyor might need to assess your property’s market value and calculate the premium.

• Land registry fees: Updates to your lease must be officially registered.

• Freeholder’s legal fees: It’s common for leaseholders to cover a portion of the landlord’s legal costs.

• Tribunal costs: If disputes arise, tribunal or court fees may apply.

What is the lease extension legal process?

Navigating a lease extension involves several key steps. Here’s what to expect:

1. Initial consultation

We’ll start with a detailed consultation to assess your lease, discuss your goals, and identify the best legal strategy. This step clarifies eligibility and sets clear expectations for the process.

2. Lease valuation

You’ll work with a qualified surveyor to determine the premium payable for your lease extension. Our solicitors will review the valuation to ensure accuracy and fairness.

3. Serving the Section 42 notice

For statutory lease extensions, we’ll help you draft and serve the Section 42 notice to your landlord, officially requesting the extension. This document outlines your offer and proposed terms.

4. Negotiating terms

Once the notice is served, negotiations begin. Our solicitors will liaise with the freeholder’s representatives to agree on terms, including the premium and lease duration.

5. Completing the lease extension

Once terms are agreed, both parties sign the extension agreement. We’ll handle all legal documentation and ensure it’s properly registered with the Land Registry.

6. Resolving disputes (if necessary)

If an agreement isn’t reached, you may need representation at a tribunal or court to resolve disputes and secure a fair outcome.

Your questions, answered

Do I need a solicitor for a lease extension?

While it’s possible to navigate a lease extension without a solicitor, the process is complex. A solicitor ensures your rights are protected, your extension complies with the law, and negotiations go smoothly.

What is a lease extension? 

A lease extension is an agreement between a freeholder and a leaseholder that extends the term of a leasehold property. When a leaseholder and a freeholder agree to a lease extension, they’re making a brand new lease with updated terms and dates. The new lease says when the extension starts and when it ends, as well as outlining any new T&Cs.

How long does the lease extension process take?

A typical lease extension can take 6-12 months, depending on negotiations and whether disputes arise. Statutory extensions may take longer due to legal deadlines and tribunal processes.

What’s the difference between a statutory and an informal lease extension?

A statutory lease extension follows legal guidelines, giving you a 90-year extension and reduced ground rent. An informal lease extension is negotiated directly with the landlord and may offer flexibility but lacks legal safeguards.

Who can extend their lease?

To legally extend a lease, a person must have their name registered as the owner of the property with the Land Registry for at least two years. However, this may change in 2025 according to Gov.UK and Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook. It’s also worth noting that if you originally bought your property through shared ownership and you’re in the process of staircasing, you won’t have the right to extend your lease.

When should I extend my lease?

Typically, properties with shorter leases don’t sell for as much as those with longer leases. Leases under 80 years can be infamously difficult to sell because mortgage lenders are unwilling to give a mortgage on them. Most leaseholders might consider an extension around the 80-year mark.

What are your next steps?

Ready to extend your lease with confidence? Lawhive is here to help. Our expert solicitors make the process simple, affordable, and stress-free. Get a personalised, fixed-fee quote in minutes and take the first step toward securing your property’s future today.

References:

• Leasehold and Reform Act 2024

• Leasehold Reform in England and Wales

• Leasehold Reform Housing and Urban Development Act 1993