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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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A complete and professional service, felt very looked after by Bryony who guided me through my first experience using a law firm! Definitely money well spent.

Hannah

We were very pleased with the service we received from Bethany. She worked so hard and diligently to ensure that our purchase was completed, communicating with us throughout. Bethany dealt with everything calmly and professionally, and all within the very reasonable set fee originally agreed. We would highly recommend Porter Dodson to anyone, and would definitely use them again.

Neal & Catherine

We were directed to Porter Dodson in Bridport as an efficient and effective solicitor to deal with our flat purchase in Lyme Regis. They did not let us down. Amy Bishop and Steve Dunkerton were nothing short of amazing! It took 16 weeks from offer to completion. Both were communicative and always available for my sometimes pointless questions. I cannot rate these guys high enough. I will be recommending Porter Dodson at Bridport solely on the expertise of Amy and Steve. Thank you both so much.

Paul & Suzie

We were directed to Porter Dodson in Bridport as an efficient and effective solicitor to deal with our flat purchase in Lyme Regis. They did not let us down. Amy Bishop and Steve Dunkerton were nothing short of amazing! It took 16 weeks from offer to completion. Both were communicative and always available for my sometimes pointless questions. I cannot rate these guys high enough. I will be recommending Porter Dodson at Bridport solely on the expertise of Amy and Steve. Thank you both so much.

Paul & Suzie

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