FAQs
Get the answer you want to know.
Most leaseholders of flats have a statutory right to extend, but the qualifying conditions and the procedure catch people out – particularly where a landlord is missing, a freeholder has died, or the flat is held by executors.
These articles cover who qualifies, how the process runs from notice to completion, and the situations that need handling differently.
Articles in this section
- Lease extension eligibility
- Can I extend my lease?
- How do I extend my lease?
- Do I need to live in my flat to extend my lease?
- Do I need to have owned my property for 2 years?
- How long can I extend my lease by?
- What if I have a missing landlord?
- Extending my lease if my freeholder passed away
- I have inherited a flat with a short lease and acting as an executor. What are my rights?
- Are your solicitors regulated?
- Who are we accredited by?
Eligibility & Process
Most flat owners with a long lease that had a minimum lease term of 21 years at commencement qualify for a statutory lease extension under the Leasehold Reform Act. You will still qualify even if the flat is vacant or rented out to tenants.
Recent legislative changes have removed the 2 year ownership requirement so there is now no minimum period of ownership.
The statutory process takes around 6–12 months and involves:
- Surveyor’s valuation of the premium
- Serving a Section 42 Notice
- Freeholder’s Counter-Notice
- Negotiation between surveyors
- Completion and registration of the new lease
We take care of the whole process on your behalf for ease and simplicity.
Yes—directly with the freeholder. This can be quicker but the freeholder sets the terms, which may be less favourable (retention of ground rent or altering terms of the lease). Always get advice first.
You can still extend. Your solicitor can apply to the court for a “vesting order” to complete the process without the freeholder. We can assist you with this if applicable, please enquire.
