The Leasehold Extension Process
1. Find a Surveyor & Solicitor
Choose a surveyor with leasehold law expertise, like Watsons, with 125+ years of experience. Ensure your solicitor specialises in leasehold enfranchisement.
Freeholder’s Response
The freeholder has 2 months to respond with a counter-notice, typically disputing the price and proposing their own
2. Commission a Valuation
Your surveyor will provide a premium estimate for your lease extension, covering best- and worst-case scenarios, plus an opening offer to the freeholder.
Pay Deposit (if required)
If the freeholder requests it, you’ll need to pay a deposit. This will be the greater of £250, or 10% of the price that you have proposed to pay for the lease extension
Submit Your Claim
Your solicitor will submit a formal notice of claim to the freeholder, including your opening offer for the lease extension.
Negotiate or Apply to Tribunal
Your surveyor will negotiate the final price with the freeholder’s surveyor. If no agreement is reached, you can apply to a Tribunal to decide the price, but this is a costly last resort.