How to Extend a Lease: Step-by-Step Lease Extension Process (2026)
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A leasehold property is a home you own for a fixed number of years under a legal agreement called a lease. The lease gives you the right to live in the property for that term, but you don’t own the land or building outright, this is usually owned by a freeholder (also called the landlord). Leasehold is most common with flats, because multiple homes share the same structure and communal areas, but some houses can also be leasehold (including some shared ownership arrangements).
Leasehold conveyancing is usually more complicated than freehold because you’re not just buying or selling the property itself, you’re also dealing with the legal lease agreement and the freeholder/managing agent who controls parts of the building. That means there are more documents to review, more checks to complete, and often more third parties involved, which can add time.
It’s typically more complex because:
The conveyancing process for buying a leasehold property is similar to buying a freehold property, but there are additional steps involved. These include:
If you have taken on a shorter lease, it must be renewed at the end of your lease term. It’s recommended to have a lease extended if there are less than 80 years left. Anything under 70 years can be difficult to remortgage.
If you need to renew your lease, you will need a solicitor to submit the documentation on your behalf. A lease extension costs on average between £7,000 and £10,000.
Read our guide, How Much Does It Cost to Extend a Leasehold?, to understand the likely costs and what can affect the final price.
Answers to common questions about finding and choosing the best leasehold solicitors.
Leasehold solicitors are typically hired during the purchase or sale of a leasehold property. Other scenarios when they may be required include:
1. Buying or Selling a Leasehold Property
Most people hire a leasehold solicitor when buying or selling a leasehold property. Unlike freehold, leasehold transactions involve extra legal checks and documents, such as ground rent, service charges, and restrictions on the property. A solicitor will make sure all requirements are met, contracts are accurate, and deadlines are kept to avoid delays or disputes.
2. Extending Your Lease
If your lease is approaching 80 years or less, it’s important to extend it. A short lease can reduce your property’s value and make it harder to remortgage. A leasehold solicitor will handle the formal extension process, including serving the correct notices, negotiating terms with the freeholder, and submitting all legal documentation on your behalf.
3. Collective Enfranchisement
When leaseholders in a building decide to purchase the freehold together, the process is called collective enfranchisement. This is complex and requires strict legal compliance. A solicitor will manage the application, liaise with the freeholder, and make sure the process is completed correctly and fairly for all leaseholders involved.
4. Resolving Lease Disputes
If the landlord and tenant disagree over lease terms a leasehold solicitor can assist with dispute resolution. They will offer legal advice and act on the landlord and tenant's behalf until an agreement is reached. This is done by applying to the First Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).
Leasehold properties are typically flats, but some houses can also be leasehold through shared ownership schemes.
Unlike freehold, you don’t own the land the property sits on, meaning extra paperwork and legal requirements apply.
They’ll make sure all required documents are completed and submitted on time, including:
It’s essential to check their accreditations before choosing a conveyancing solicitor. At Konnect You, we work with a network of licenced conveyancers who are trusted and verified. This provides peace of mind.
Based on the national UK average house price of £292,000, the average solicitor fee for buying a leasehold property is £1,844*. Solicitor fees when selling a leasehold property are around £1,514*.
Costs associated with leasehold properties include:
These costs don’t apply when buying a freehold property.
This is why solicitor fees for leasehold properties tend to be more expensive, as there are extra steps involved with the conveyancing process.
*Based on the average service costs for Konnect You users. See how our data works.
