Hackney Lease Extension Solicitors
Specialists in dealing with Hackney Council (LBH) and private freeholders in E8, E9, N16 and across the borough.
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Secure Your Property's Value
Property prices in Hackney have risen sharply. We help you extend your lease now to avoid escalating Marriage Value costs.
Free Initial AdviceDealing with Hackney Council
Expert advice for leaseholders in Dalston, Hackney Central, Stoke Newington, and Shoreditch.
Understanding the Process
The London Borough of Hackney is a significant freeholder of residential flats. If you own an ex-council property, dealing with Hackney Council requires a formal approach.
Like most London boroughs, Hackney Council generally insists on the Statutory Route (Section 42 Notice). This ensures that the premium calculation follows the strict formula set out in the 1993 Act, giving you a 90-year extension and reducing your ground rent to zero.
We also act for many clients in Hackney with private landlords. In these cases, we investigate whether an 'informal' deal is possible to save costs, though we always recommend the statutory route for full legal protection against hidden clauses.
Case Study: Dalston Negotiation
The Property: A 2-bedroom flat in a period conversion near Dalston Junction.
The Challenge: The private freeholder demanded a premium of £22,000. Their valuer cited the rapid "gentrification" of the area to justify a very low yield rate, which inflates the price payable by the leaseholder.
The Hetts Approach: Our team analyzed the lease and the flat's condition. We argued that the freeholder's valuation assumed the flat was fully modernised, whereas our client's flat was unmodernised. Under the Act, the valuation must disregard tenant improvements.
The Result: We successfully argued that the premium should reflect the 'unimproved' value of the flat. The freeholder eventually agreed to settle at £16,500, saving our client £5,500.
What Our Service Includes
A complete package to extend your lease in Hackney.
Valuation & Advice
We assess the lease length and local Hackney market data to provide an accurate estimate before serving notices.
Serving Section 42 Notices
We draft and serve the formal Notice on Hackney 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.
Completion
We handle the new lease deed, register it with the Land Registry, and ensure your ground rent is officially reduced to zero.
Fixed Fee Pricing
Transparent costs for your Hackney lease extension.
Recommended for Hackney
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
- Drafting the New Lease
- 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 Hackney 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.
Hackney FAQs
Common questions regarding lease extensions in the London Borough of Hackney.
1. Does Hackney Council grant voluntary extensions?
Generally, no. Hackney Council prefers to operate strictly under the statutory framework (1993 Act). This ensures transparency and fairness in the valuation process. While it requires formal legal notices, it is the safest way to ensure your ground rent is removed.
2. My landlord is private, can I negotiate?
Yes. If you have a private freeholder (not the Council), we can approach them for an informal deal. However, private landlords in Hackney are often savvy investors who may try to increase ground rent. We will review any offer they make to ensure it is in your best interest.
3. What fees do I pay to Hackney Council?
You are responsible for the Council's "reasonable" legal and valuation fees. Because Hackney Council uses standard fee scales, these costs are usually predictable. We will advise you of these costs at the outset so you can budget effectively.
4. Does it matter if I don't live in the flat?
No. You do not need to live in the property to extend the lease. The only requirement is that you have owned the lease (been the registered owner at the Land Registry) for at least 2 years.
Contact Us
Enquire about your Hackney lease extension today.
Address
11 Wells StreetScunthorpe
North Lincolnshire, DN15 6HW
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Open Hours
Monday - Friday
9:00AM - 5:15PM