Barnet Lease Extension Solicitors
Specialists in dealing with Barnet Council (LBB) and private freeholders in Finchley, Hendon, Edgware and High Barnet.
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Expert Lease Negotiation
We challenge excessive Council premiums and remove unfair clauses from lease deeds. Secure your property's future with Hetts.
Free Initial AdviceDealing with Barnet Council
Expert advice for leaseholders in Finchley, Golders Green, Hendon, and Mill Hill.
Navigating Council Procedures
Extending a lease with the London Borough of Barnet can be a complex process. The Council generally outsources its valuation and legal work to specific panels or manages it through Barnet Homes.
Barnet Council typically adheres strictly to the Statutory Route (Section 42). This means you must serve a formal notice to start the process. While this guarantees your rights, the Council is known for protecting its assets rigorously, often proposing high initial premiums and attempting to modernize lease terms in their favour.
It is vital to have a solicitor who checks the "small print." We ensure that the new lease you sign does not contain hidden clauses that could restrict your use of the property or devalue it in the future.
Case Study: Finchley Central
The Challenge: Barnet Council served a Counter-Notice demanding £9,800 for a lease extension. Furthermore, their draft lease included a new clause requiring the leaseholder to pay the Council's surveyor fees for any future alterations to the flat—a clause not present in the original lease.
The Hetts Approach:
- Premium: We challenged their comparable evidence, proving they had used higher-value properties in a better catchment area.
- The Clause: We argued that under the 1993 Act, the new lease must be on the same terms as the old one (save for minor modernizations). We refused to accept the new cost-bearing clause.
The Result: The Council withdrew the unfair clause. We also successfully negotiated the premium down to £6,700, saving our client £3,100 and protecting them from future fees.
What Our Service Includes
A complete package to extend your lease in Barnet.
Valuation & Advice
We assess the lease length and Barnet market data to provide an accurate estimate before serving notices.
Serving Section 42 Notices
We draft and serve the formal Notice on Barnet Council or your private landlord, locking in the valuation date.
Negotiating the Premium
We handle all correspondence with the landlord's valuers, using robust evidence to argue for the lowest possible price.
Checking the Lease Deed
Crucially, we review the new lease to ensure the Council hasn't added any restrictive clauses, just like in our case study.
Fixed Fee Pricing
Transparent costs for your Barnet lease extension.
Recommended for Barnet
Statutory Route
Guarantees a 90-year extension & zero ground rent.
£1,750+ VAT
Enquire NowExcludes Disbursements (approx £65)
- Comprehensive valuation advice
- Serving Section 42 Notice
- Negotiating the Premium
- Reviewing Lease Terms
- Lender coordination
- Land Registry Completion
Informal Route
Only for private landlords who agree terms.
£1,200+ VAT
Enquire NowExcludes Disbursements (approx £65)
- Legal work & Drafting Lease
- Lender coordination
- Land Registry Completion
- Section 42 Notice Service
- Formal Negotiation
Payment Timeline
To start your claim against Barnet Council, we require an initial payment of £350. A further £350 is due upon service of the Section 42 notice. The balance is paid only upon completion, which typically takes 4-6 months.
Barnet FAQs
Common questions regarding lease extensions in the London Borough of Barnet.
1. Why did Barnet Council try to change my lease terms?
It is not uncommon for large freeholders, including Councils, to try and "modernize" leases during an extension. They might try to add clauses that allow them to charge for permissions or administration. Under the statutory route, you are entitled to keep your existing lease terms. We fight to ensure these new clauses are removed.
2. Will Barnet Council agree to an informal deal?
Generally, no. Barnet Council usually requires the formal statutory process. This ensures transparency and that the premium is calculated according to the legal formula. It is the safest route for leaseholders.
3. What legal fees do I pay to the Council?
You are responsible for the Council's "reasonable" legal and valuation costs. Barnet Council typically uses external firms or standard fee scales. We review these costs to ensure they are fair and challenge them if they are excessive.
4. I live in a converted house, not a block. Does this apply?
Yes. Many properties in Barnet (especially Finchley and Hendon) are maisonettes or conversions. As long as you have a long lease, you have the same statutory right to extend as someone in a purpose-built block.
Contact Us
Enquire about your Barnet lease extension today.
Address
11 Wells StreetScunthorpe
North Lincolnshire, DN15 6HW
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Open Hours
Monday - Friday
9:00AM - 5:15PM