Long lease extensions English house estate
Advice

What you need to know about long lease extensions

Jeremy Conway Jeremy Conway
2 min read
Flats or maisonettes are normally held on long leases. This helps to ensure that an appropriate management structure is in place and that the
obligations, including those relating to repairs, insurance and common areas, are enforceable.
Historically, many leases were granted for 99 or 125 years, but nowadays, leases are normally longer. A lease with less than 85 years left to run ought to be extended, particularly as some lenders will not lend where the lease has less than 85 years. The shorter the lease, the more difficult it is to mortgage or sell. Therefore, as the term of the lease reduces, the property loses value. For example, leases for properties on some residential estates were granted for 125 years calculated from 1976.
Where leases of properties on the same estate have already been extended, a landlord might agree to extend the lease period by 90 years or
more. The terms would be similar to the lease extensions already granted, including the premium, at a fixed starting rent, increasing by a fixed
amount every 25 years, and capped at £250 per year. Note that tenants will almost certainly have to pay the landlord’s legal costs. If the landlord agrees to go down this route, there should be no valuation fees.
A solicitor can be instructed when terms have been agreed. The wording of the documentation can be agreed quickly, sometimes within a few
days. If the property is in mortgage, the lender needs to agree to the lease extension and a ‘Deed of Substitution’ must be signed. This ensures that
the lender has security over the extended lease. The lease extension is then registered at the Land Registry which closes the existing leasehold title and opens a new one. It may take six months to complete the registration. Speaking to a recommended solicitor, particularly one with knowledge of the local area, can keep the process simple when you need to seek a lease extension.
Call Jeremy Conway on 0113 320 5000 to discuss lease extensions or any other property matter.

Client feedback

I cannot speak for Winston Solicitors as a whole, but I can confidently recommend Leasa Foster, who we’ve used twice now for moving house. On both occasions she has been outstanding. Without her, I’m certain the chain would have fallen into disarray, and completion would have been delayed by at least a month or two.Leasa took control, coordinating solicitors both above and below us in the chain to ensure paperwork was completed on time. In fact, some of the documents that others were only just starting, she had already handled months in advance.Overall, I’m extremely satisfied with the service from Leasa, Julie, and the team at Winston Solicitors. I’ll have no hesitation using them again—unless Leasa moves firms!
Jack
We’ve used Winston Solicitors for three property transactions now, and they have been outstanding every time. Sidraa and Tom always go above and beyond – communication is clear, there are never any delays from their side, and the whole process is handled smoothly from start to finish. We’ve even recommended them to friends, who were equally impressed. I always get asked by Estate Agents to use their solicitors but always politely decline because of the service Sidraa and her team offer.
Tariq
Effecient and pay attention to every single details, highly recommended
Anonymous
Winston solicitor's was chosen by us to handle the conveyancing for our house sale and purchase. We were appointed Sam as our solicitor and we couldn't have asked for anyone better. Sam went above and beyond to assist me with my enquiries, demonstrating an impressive depth of knowledge. Our sellers solicitors could be quite problematic at times but Sam worked hard to ensure that obstacles were handled promptly, and that we were kept up to date with any progress.What stood out for me was Sam's genuine commitment to customer satisfaction. Her friendly demeanor and positive attitude created a welcoming atmosphere making me feel valued as a customer. In conclusion Sam exemplifies the epitome of customer service. Her professionalism, expertise, attention to detail and genuine care for the customer deserves recognition. I would not hesitate to recommend Sam to anyone seeking an exceptional service. Thank you for your outstanding support and dedication.
Mr & M
Winston Solicitors were excellent throughout our house purchase process. Leasa and Michelle who handed our conveyancing were very responsive. Highly recommend.
Mr Agunwa
I've used Winston Solicitors on multiple occasions for property sales an also to purchase and it will definately not be the last.This firm is professional and a massive shout out to sidraa who both times dealt with my purchase & sale of property.She is an absolute asset to Winston Solicitors and is the best out there at her job.Please keep up the great work and hopefully speak to you all again soon on my next purchase.
Noor
Winston solicitors were absolutely brilliant from start to finish. I was a first time buyer and had so many questions and worries. Michelle made the process as smooth has possible. She was always on hand to answer any queries and was very responsive. My purchase went through very fast. I could have not ask for a better solicitors and would highly recommend to anyone.
Kimberley
We’ve just completed a sale and purchase with Winston Solicitors and honestly couldn’t be more impressed with the service. Leasa, Julie and the team were fantastic from start to finish - thorough and very efficient, even when things were stressful and complex in our chain. Communication was clear and prompt throughout, and we always felt reassured that they were on top of every detail.It was our first time buying and selling which was quite a stressful process but we felt in very safe hands with Winstons and we wouldn't hesitate to recommend them. Thank you!
Emma
Contact Jeremy