Leaseholders of flats and the freeholders who receive their claims
Lease extension solicitor
Statutory and negotiated lease extensions handled to the statutory timetable, with valuation input where the premium is in dispute.
A short lease costs money in two directions: the premium to extend rises as the term falls, and lenders become reluctant to lend on it, which affects both sale price and saleability. Acting early is almost always cheaper than acting later.
We act for qualifying flat owners bringing statutory claims and negotiating extensions by agreement, and for freeholders who have received a claim and need the counter-notice and terms dealt with correctly.
Who this service is for
- Flat owners whose lease term is falling and who want to protect value and saleability
- Buyers wanting an extension claim assigned or started as part of a purchase
- Freeholders and investors responding to a statutory claim
- Resident management companies coordinating several extensions in one building
What the work involves
- Eligibility and title review
- Checking the lease, the term, the registered title and whether the statutory qualifying criteria are met.
- Valuation coordination
- Working with a specialist valuer on the premium and on the negotiating range before the notice is served.
- Notices and counter-notices
- Preparing and serving the claim notice, dealing with the counter-notice and any requests for information or a deposit.
- Negotiated extensions
- Agreeing an extension outside the statutory scheme where that is faster or the statutory route is unavailable.
- Tribunal applications
- Applying to the First-tier Tribunal where the premium or the terms of the new lease cannot be agreed.
- Completion
- Settling the terms of the new lease, completing and registering it, and dealing with any lender requirements.
How Resolve can help
- Confirm eligibility before any cost is incurred on valuation
- Keep the statutory deadlines, which are unforgiving, under control
- Coordinate with your valuer so legal and valuation strategy match
- Advise freeholders on the counter-notice, the terms of the new lease and costs recovery
- Take the matter to the tribunal where the premium cannot be agreed
The statutory route in outline
1. Eligibility and valuation
Title and lease review, then a valuation to establish the likely premium and opening position.
2. Claim notice
Service of the notice on the competent landlord, with the statutory content and proposed premium.
3. Counter-notice and negotiation
The landlord responds within the statutory period; the premium and lease terms are then negotiated.
4. Tribunal or completion
Application to the tribunal if terms cannot be agreed, otherwise completion and registration of the new lease.
Why instruct us
- Lease extensions are run as litigation-standard matters, with deadlines diarised and evidenced
- We act on both sides of claims, so the other side's likely position is not a surprise
- Clear separation from conveyancing: our focus is the statutory claim and the terms of the new lease
- Acting for flat owners and freeholders in London, Watford and Hertfordshire
Where we act
We act on lease extension claims for flats in London, Hertfordshire and across England & Wales, with tribunal applications made to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).
Frequently asked questions
Who can claim a lease extension?
Qualifying leaseholders of flats held on a long lease have a statutory right to a lease extension, subject to the eligibility rules in force when the claim is made.
Where the statutory route is not available, or is not the quickest option, an extension can often be negotiated with the freeholder on agreed terms.
How long does a lease extension take?
A statutory claim runs to a timetable set by the legislation, with periods for the counter-notice and for agreeing the premium, and an application to the tribunal if terms cannot be agreed.
Timescales vary considerably with the freeholder's cooperation and with valuation issues, so we give an estimate once we have seen the lease and the title.
Which forum decides leasehold disputes?
Many leasehold issues — service charges, administration charges, breach of covenant determinations and lease terms on statutory claims — are decided by the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). Forfeiture, injunctions and damages claims are dealt with in the county court.
Choosing the correct forum at the outset avoids wasted costs and delay.
Start Your Enquiry
Tell us briefly what has happened and what you need. Email and telephone are both required so we can respond in the way that suits you.