Lease Extension Solicitors
We offer a full end-to-end service including the valuation, legal work, negotiation and Land Registry submission.
Free Initial Advice
Over 30 years of experience in lease extensions
Specialising in this complex area of law since 1993, our dedicated team is led by Partner Ashley Connell, a highly respected specialist solicitor in leasehold enfranchisement.
Free Initial AdviceNationwide Lease Extension Solicitors – Expert Advice, Competitive Fees
Although based centrally in North Lincolnshire, 90% of our clients are in London. We are perfectly positioned to act for flat owners across the entirety of England and Wales. By operating from our provincial headquarters rather than a costly city office, we are able to offer the high-level expertise of a specialist city firm, but with significantly more competitive fees.
Including ex-local authority flats in London
A vast number of our clients are in London - particularly ex-local authority flats. We have expert knowledge in dealing with all Councils in London, meaning we can work efficiently to complete the transaction quicker and with more due diligence than most solicitors.
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Ashley Connell – A Recognised Authority in Leasehold Law
Spearheaded by Partner Ashley Connell, our team benefits from the guidance of one of the sector’s most experienced specialist solicitors.
View Ashley's full profile here
Specialists in dealing with local authorities including:
Islington, Tower Hamlets, Barnet, Bromley, Crawley, Ealing, Hackney, Harrow, Hounslow, Lambeth, Kensington & Chelsea, Lewisham, Waltham Forest, Wandsworth, Southwark, Sutton, Luton, Bath and many others.
Lease Extension Services Included
Lease Extension Valuation
A professional report, in line with RICS guidelines, to determine the "fair premium" for your lease extension, ensuring you do not overpay the freeholder.
Serving Section 42 Notices
We handle the formal service of the Tenant’s Notice on your landlord. This triggers the statutory timeline and locks in the valuation date.
Premium Negotiation
Our team negotiates aggressively with the landlord’s solicitors to agree on the final price, protecting your financial interests throughout.
Drafting Legal Documents
We review and draft the new lease deed, ensuring the terms are compliant with the 1993 Act and contain no hidden clauses.
Lender Coordination
We manage all correspondence with your mortgage lender to obtain the necessary Deed of Substitution or consent required to complete.
Land Registry Completion
Once signed, we finalize the process by registering your new extended lease title with HM Land Registry, securing your asset.
Fixed Fee Pricing - End to End
Informal Route
Ideal if you have already agreed a price directly with your landlord.
£1,200+ VAT
Enquire NowExcludes Disbursements, usually £65
- Comprehensive valuation with detailed calculations
- Section 42 Notice preparation and service
- Negotiation by a specialist with 20 years' experience
- All associated legal work handled
- Liaising with your mortgage lender (if required)
- Completion of Land Registry application
- Direct contact with Ashley Connell, a highly regarded expert
Most Common
Statutory Formal Route
The complete protection package ensuring you get the statutory price.
£1,750+ VAT
Enquire NowExcludes Disbursements, usually £65
- Comprehensive valuation with detailed calculations
- Section 42 Notice preparation and service
- Negotiation by a specialist with 20 years' experience
- All associated legal work handled
- Liaising with your mortgage lender (if required)
- Completion of Land Registry application
- Direct contact with Ashley Connell, a highly regarded expert
For Freeholders
We act for Freeholders to help achieve the best possible premium.
£0*
Enquire Now*Leaseholder usually pays your legal costs
- Comprehensive valuation with detailed calculations
- Section 45 Counter-Notice preparation
- Negotiation by a specialist with 20 years' experience
- All associated legal work handled
- Liaising with your mortgage lender (if required)
- Completion of Land Registry application
- Direct contact with Ashley Connell, a highly regarded expert
Payment Timeline
Under the statutory route - an initial payment is required in the sum of £350 to commence matters. A file will be opened and we will begin the lease extension valuation and investigation of the Land Registry title and Lease. Upon service of the Section 42 notice, a further payment of £350 is required. The remainder of our fees are paid when completing the lease extension, which tends to be around 4 months after the service of the Section 42 notice.
Why Choose Hetts?
ALEP Registered
Our team is headed by Ashley Connell, a highly reputable ALEP registered specialist solicitor with years of experience in leasehold enfranchisement since 1993.
City Quality, Local Fees
Based in North Lincolnshire, we provide the high-level expertise of a city law firm but with significantly lower overheads and competitive fixed fees.
Nationwide Coverage
We successfully act for flat owners across the entirety of England & Wales, managing the full legal process remotely via email and phone.
Trusted by Leaseholders Nationwide
We pride ourselves on delivering clear, jargon-free advice and successful outcomes. Our high client satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to protecting your property assets without the stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Navigating the complexities of leasehold enfranchisement can be daunting. Below are answers to the most common questions we receive from flat owners across England and Wales.
1. How much will it cost to extend my lease?
The cost depends mainly on the length of term the lease has left. A good estimate can be found using this lease extension calculator, but the key factor is the "80-year" mark:
- 80 or more years remaining: You usually pay the Landlord’s premium (plus reasonable legal fees). This is calculated based on the loss of ground rent and the reversion value.
- Less than 80 years remaining: The cost increases significantly because "Marriage Value" becomes payable. The lease is viewed as a "wasted asset" that is losing value rapidly.
Get an accurate cost: We can arrange a comprehensive professional desktop valuation report for £250 +VAT. This report is vital for negotiating a lower premium with the landlord. Contact us to arrange this.
2. For how long can I extend my lease?
Under the statutory route (Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993), you are entitled to an additional 90 years on top of your existing term.
Crucially, for this entire term, your ground rent will be reduced to zero ("peppercorn rent"), ensuring you pay no ground rent to the landlord moving forward.
3. Why is the "80-year" mark so important?
If you currently hold a lease, it is important to understand that it is a "wasted asset"—as the years decrease, so does its value. Once the lease drops below 80 years, Marriage Value becomes payable.
Marriage Value is the increase in the property's value created by the lease extension. By law, the landlord is entitled to 50% of this "profit." This can add thousands of pounds to the premium. We strongly advise extending before you hit this critical threshold.
4. What if the Landlord and I cannot agree on a price?
If, in the unlikely event, after serving a notice, we cannot agree on a price with the landlord, the First Tier Tribunal (FTT) will determine it. The Tribunal uses statute and case law to calculate a fair figure based on:
- The value of the freeholder's interest (including lost ground rent).
- The Marriage Value (if applicable).
- Compensation for loss of interest.
However, most cases are settled by negotiation without needing a full Tribunal hearing.
5. Should I choose the Informal or Statutory route?
The Statutory route is the safest option: it guarantees a 90-year extension and reduces your ground rent to zero. The Informal route might appear cheaper upfront, but landlords often insist on keeping ground rents, increasing them, or inserting restrictive clauses. We usually recommend the Statutory route for full legal protection.
6. Should I wait for Leasehold Reform to extend?
The consensus is split. If you have more than 80 years, you are likely to be worse off waiting due to proposed changes in calculation rates. If you have less than 80 years, you might be better off waiting if Marriage Value is abolished, but legislation timelines are uncertain. We recommend contacting us for a specific risk assessment.
7. How long does the process take?
The statutory process typically takes between 4 to 6 months. This timeline is dictated by strict legal deadlines for serving notices (Section 42) and counter-notices. While informal deals can be quicker, they rely entirely on the landlord's cooperation.
8. Do I need a solicitor near me?
No. Leasehold Reform is a specific area of law that applies across all of England and Wales. We handle cases nationwide from our offices in North Lincolnshire, conducting the entire process efficiently via email and phone. This allows us to offer specialist expertise at competitive provincial rates.