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Lease Extension & Variation of Leases

Helping you move forward with confidence

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Need to extend or vary a lease? We’re here to help

Whether you're a leaseholder looking to protect the value of your property or a landlord managing your portfolio, extending or varying a lease can be a complex process. At Porter Dodson, our experienced team regularly acts for both landlords and leaseholders in:

  • Statutory and non-statutory lease extensions
  • Collective enfranchisement (buying the freehold)
  • Lease variations to update or correct lease terms

We’ll guide you through your options and help you make an informed decision that protects your long-term interests.

Lease extensions: Statutory vs Non-Statutory 

There are two main routes to extending a lease:

Statutory Lease Extension

(Under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993)

  • You must meet specific eligibility criteria
  • The landlord can only refuse if they plan to redevelop the building
  • Strict legal timescales apply - missing a deadline could mean waiting a year to reapply
  • Legal costs are higher due to formal notices and potential tribunal involvement
  • Ground rent is reduced to a peppercorn (effectively zero) for the remainder of the lease
  • Costs are governed by Section 60 of the Act

If terms are disputed, either party can apply to the First Tier Tribunal—but both sides bear their own legal costs, which can range from £5,000 to £10,000+ VAT.

 

Non-Statutory Lease Extension

  • No eligibility criteria - open to negotiation
  • The landlord can refuse or withdraw at any time
  • No fixed timescales
  • Legal costs are generally lower
  • Ground rent is usually reduced to a peppercorn for the new term only (not the existing term)
  • Costs are managed via a legal undertaking

 


How we can help?

  • Advise you on the best route for your lease extension
  • Handle all legal documentation and negotiations
  • Represent you in tribunal proceedings if needed
  • Work with landlords, leaseholders, and managing agents
  • Provide joined-up advice if your lease extension is part of a wider property transaction
Michelle Wilson - Colour - High Res - 018_425

For legal advice on lease extension and variations

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Reena Raval is well known as the most knowledgeable and experienced conveyancing solicitor in the South West. That reputation, in our experience, is fully justified. Reena grasped all the issues and negotiated, on our behalf, with ‘the other side’. Reena is kind, efficient and experienced. My wife and I are very, very grateful and recommend her without hesitation.

Nicholas

Consistently high level professional competence on a routine legal matter effectively delivered by Louise Wootton.

Tony

My wife and I used Porter Dodson for conveyancing on the recommendation of our estate agent, and we are vey glad that we did. Reena and her team kept us up to date and explained in detail the process of selling our property. Reena had to deal with both the solicitor of our purchaser and also the solicitor of the management company. She did so with skill and patience when the other two solicitors at were not, at times, always up to speed. We have also employed Porter and Dodson to act as conveyancers for the purchase of our new build. I expect this transaction will go equally as smoothly. I can certainly recommend this company.

Cliff

Very good experience with our home sale and purchase, despite having difficulties with the online conveyancers at the bottom of the chain, Reena Raval and Beckie Old persisted and eventually succeeded. Well Done.

Alan

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