One of the most common questions leaseholders ask is: “How long will my lease extension take?” While the answer depends on the route you choose and how cooperative your freeholder is, most lease extensions typically take 6 to 12 months.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through each stage of the lease extension process, key timelines, the difference between statutory and informal routes, and expert tips for speeding up the process.
Two Routes: Statutory vs Informal Lease Extensions
The duration of your lease extension depends on whether you choose the formal (statutory) or informal (voluntary) route.
Statutory Lease Extension
- Governed by the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993
- Legally protected process
- Timelines are fixed by law
Informal Lease Extension
- Negotiated directly with your freeholder
- No legal timetable
- Timelines vary based on cooperation and complexity
Timeline for Statutory Lease Extensions
A typical statutory lease extension takes 6 to 12 months. Here’s a breakdown of each stage:
| Stage | Estimated Time |
| Instruct surveyor & solicitor | 1–2 weeks |
| Valuation and advice | 1–2 weeks |
| Draft and serve Section 42 Notice | Immediate after valuation |
| Landlord’s counter-notice (Section 45) | Up to 2 months |
| Negotiation period | Up to 6 months after counter-notice |
| Apply to Tribunal (if needed) | Between months 2–6 of negotiation period |
| Tribunal determination (if unresolved) | Additional 3–5 months |
| Final completion and registration | 2–4 weeks |
If both parties negotiate promptly, many lease extensions are completed within 6–8 months.
Timeline for Informal Lease Extensions
Informal lease extensions are not governed by statute. As such, timelines depend heavily on the:
- Freeholder’s responsiveness
- Complexity of the offer
- Speed of solicitors
Average informal lease extension: 2–6 months
However, they can be faster or significantly slower depending on negotiations.
What Causes Delays?
1. Unresponsive Freeholder
Some freeholders delay responding to notices or offers — especially if they are absentee landlords, offshore entities, or lack proper managing agents.
2. Valuation Disputes
Disagreement over the lease extension premium is a common reason negotiations drag on — especially under the statutory process.
3. Lender Involvement
If you have a mortgage, your lender must consent to the new lease terms. This adds time — particularly if the lender is slow or requires specific documents.
4. Solicitor Backlogs
Busy conveyancing or leasehold solicitors may take longer to respond to correspondence, especially during peak property seasons.
5. Tribunal Proceedings
If the premium or terms cannot be agreed, the matter is referred to the First-tier Tribunal, which can add 3–5 months.
Can You Speed Up the Process?
Absolutely. Here’s how:
✅ Instruct a Specialist Early
Use experienced leasehold professionals — including a RICS surveyor and a lease extension solicitor.
✅ Prepare Financially
Get a premium estimate and ensure you have funds ready — delays often happen when clients hesitate to pay deposits or premiums.
✅ Serve the Section 42 Notice Promptly
Statutory deadlines start ticking once the notice is served. The earlier you start, the sooner you complete.
✅ Follow Up Regularly
Chase your solicitor and surveyor for updates. Request progress reports and timelines.
✅ Avoid Tribunal Where Possible
If negotiations stall, consider mediation or instructing a new surveyor to bridge the gap. Tribunal should be the last resort.
Real-World Example: Statutory Lease Extension Timeline
January: Maria instructs Extension.Lease. A valuation is completed within 2 weeks.
February: Section 42 notice is served.
April: Freeholder serves a Section 45 counter-notice, disputing the premium.
May–July: Negotiations continue; surveyors eventually agree a fair premium.
August: Lease extension is completed and registered with the Land Registry.
Total Time: 7 months
FAQs
What if my lease is already under 80 years?
Act quickly. Each day counts — and the lower the lease term, the more you’ll pay (including marriage value). We can still offer you a fixed fee service for leases with less than 80 years unexpired – get in touch for your free quote.
Can I extend my lease faster using the informal route?
Sometimes — but you’ll sacrifice legal protections. Also, informal deals can be delayed if the freeholder is difficult or demands unreasonable terms.
Can I assign the lease extension if I’m selling?
Yes. You can serve the Section 42 notice and assign the benefit to your buyer. This allows the buyer to continue the process immediately.
Can the freeholder drag their feet?
Not under the statutory route — the Act imposes strict deadlines. If they fail to respond, you may apply to court or Tribunal.
Summary: Key Takeaways
| Factor | Statutory Route | Informal Route |
| Typical Duration | 6–12 months | 2–6 months |
| Legal Protections | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Ground Rent Removed | ✅ Yes | ❌ Sometimes |
| Subject to Delays? | ✅ Yes (but manageable) | ✅ Yes (potentially worse) |
Ready to Get Started?
The sooner you begin, the sooner you’ll secure your lease and avoid additional costs. At Extension.Lease, we handle the entire process — from valuation to negotiation — ensuring your lease extension is smooth, timely, and cost-effective.
