Do I need to extend my lease?
Before purchasing a leasehold property, it is essential to investigate how many years are remaining on the lease. Many leases are for 999 years but if your lease has less that 99 years remaining, it might be time to think about extending the terms of the lease, to protect the value of the property. You might not be considering selling the property, but if things change in the future, it is best to make sure that the length of time remaining on the lease does not cause an issue.
Is purchasing the lease an option?
The legal process by which leaseholders can purchase the freehold from the freeholder is called ‘enfranchisement’ - it is a complex and expensive process, especially where there are several leaseholders, as in a block of flats. If certain criteria are met then leaseholders may have a legal right to buy the freehold; if not, an informal approach can be made to the freeholder. Specialist legal advice should always be sought, but we can provide general guidance on the relevant rules.
How we can help
If you have concerns about the amount of time remaining on your lease, are thinking about purchasing a leasehold property and want to understand what the implications are of the term of the lease, or want to know what is involved in the purchase of a lease from the freeholder, we will give you guidance and:
- Listen to your queries regarding the lease
- Explain what your legal rights are
- Talk you through the process and your options for getting further legal advice and assistance
- Access our experts in consumer law, travel, motoring, landlords & tenancy, wills & probate and more
- Get clear guidance on your next steps from experts you can trust
- Unlimited calls – speak with us as often as you need
- Cover for your whole household
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- Access our experts in consumer law, travel, motoring, landlords & tenancy, wills & probate and more
- Get clear guidance on your next steps from experts you can trust
- Unlimited calls – speak with us as often as you need
- Cover for your whole household
- Regular news and advice emails
Read our common questions
Catherine Hudson
Catherine is an expert in landlord and tenant law, having worked for a housing charity as a Caseworker for 15 years.
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Sophie Jones
Sophie joined Which? in June 2015 specialising in landlord and tenancy as well as other areas.
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Adrian Schwab
Adrian is an expert in landlord and tenancy as well as consumer issues, travel and aviation, traffic law, civil litigation and neighbour disputes.
