If you own a leasehold house or flat, extending your lease is crucial to maintaining the value of your property. At HM & Co. Solicitors, our experienced lease extension solicitors are here to guide you through the process, ensuring a smooth and efficient resolution tailored to your needs.

Lease extension can be complex, but our team has the expertise to manage every detail, from choosing the right approach to addressing any complications that arise.

Why Extend Your Lease?

As the length of a lease decreases, the value of the property can decline significantly. Extending your lease prevents this loss in value and ensures your property remains an attractive investment for future buyers.

Our Lease Extension Services

At HM & Co. Solicitors, we offer comprehensive lease extension support, including:

• Advice on the best lease extension process for your situation.
• Liaising with your landlord to negotiate lease terms.
• Managing freehold purchases and lease extensions for leaseholders.
• Drafting a Deed of Variation to formalise lease extensions.

Understanding Your Lease Extension Options

1. Informal Lease Extension Negotiations

You can negotiate directly with your landlord to agree on a lease extension. This option is often faster and less costly but comes with risks, as the landlord may change their mind or adjust terms unfavourably.

2. Formal Lease Extension Process

If you’ve owned your property for at least two years, you are typically entitled to a statutory lease extension. This involves a strict legal procedure, starting with serving a formal notice to your landlord. The lease extension is completed through a Deed of Variation, ensuring legal protection for both parties.

3. Purchasing the Freehold

For flat owners, another option is leasehold enfranchisement. This involves purchasing the freehold of your building, often in collaboration with fellow leaseholders. A management company is usually formed to manage the process and grant lease extensions without requiring a premium.

For leasehold houses, you may also be eligible to buy the freehold and convert the property to freehold status, eliminating the leasehold altogether.

How HM & Co. Solicitors Can Help

Liaising with Your Landlord

Whether pursuing an informal or formal lease extension, we can:

• Communicate with your landlord or their solicitor on your behalf.
• Negotiate terms and agree on a fair price for the lease extension.
• Represent you at the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) if a premium cannot be agreed.

Our team ensures you are fully informed throughout the process, working promptly to complete and register the extension.

Managing Freehold Purchases

If you and your fellow leaseholders decide to purchase the freehold of your block:

• We’ll guide you through the process, from serving notice to agreeing on a purchase price.
• We’ll help establish a management company if needed.
• Once the freehold is purchased, we’ll handle lease extensions for all flat owners.

For leasehold houses, we can manage the freehold purchase and help eliminate the leasehold entirely.

Contact HM & Co. Solicitors for Lease Extension Support

Extending your lease is an essential step to safeguarding your property’s value. At HM & Co. Solicitors, we offer expert guidance to make the process straightforward and stress-free.

• Visit us: 186 Lower Road, Surrey Quays, London SE16 2UN
• Call us: 0207 112 8180
• Email us: info@hmsolicitorsltd.com

Alternatively, fill out our online contact form, and a member of our team will be in touch.

Whether you’re looking to extend your lease, purchase a freehold, or explore your options, HM & Co. Solicitors are here to provide expert advice and support every step of the way.