What is a leasehold extension?

A leasehold extension is the process of extending the lease term of a property held on a leasehold basis. It helps maintain the property's value and desirability. Leasehold extension legislation allows leaseholders to extend their lease, ensuring the property remains attractive for sale or mortgage purposes.

How long is a leasehold extension ?

The length of a leasehold extension can vary depending on the jurisdiction and specific circumstances. In some countries, such as the United Kingdom, leasehold extensions are typically granted for an additional 90 years beyond the remaining term of the existing lease. However, it's important to note that leasehold extension regulations can differ, and it's advisable to consult local laws or seek professional advice like leasehold valuations for accurate information regarding leasehold extensions in a specific jurisdiction.

What are the benefits of lease extension ?

Extending the leasehold of a property offers benefits such as increased property value, improved marketability, easier access to mortgage financing, peace of mind and security, the avoidance of escalating costs, and more control over property management.

What happens to leasehold property after 99 years ?

After 99 years, the leasehold property typically reverts back to the freeholder, unless the lease is extended by the leaseholder. The ownership of the property, along with the land it is built on, returns to the freeholder once the lease expires. As a lease approaches its expiration, the property’s value may decrease, making it more challenging to sell or mortgage. It is advisable for leaseholders to consider extending their lease well before it reaches the 99-year mark to maintain the property’s value and their ownership rights.

Why choose leasehold Valuations for Lease extension or Buying Freehold ?

1. Fair Price: A leasehold valuation ensures you pay a fair price for a lease extension or freehold purchase.2. Increased Property Value: Extending the lease or buying the freehold can potentially increase your property’s value.3. Cost Savings: Accurate valuation helps minimise future costs like ground rent.4. Stronger Negotiation: A valuation report strengthens your position during negotiations with landlords.5. Legal Compliance: Valuations ensure you meet legal requirements for lease extensions or freehold purchases.6. Future Planning: Valuations help you plan for selling or passing on the property to future generations.7. Expert Advice: Engaging a valuer provides access to their expertise and guidance.8. Mortgage Support: Valuation reports improve your mortgage opportunities for lease extensions or freehold purchases.

How much does it cost to renew a leasehold ?

The cost of renewing a leasehold in the UK can vary depending on various factors, such as the property value, the length of the renewal term, and any negotiations between the leaseholder and the freeholder. Unlike extending a lease, which typically involves paying a premium to the freeholder, renewing a lease generally involves paying a nominal fee known as a “peppercorn rent” or a small percentage of the property value.The exact cost of renewing a leasehold will depend on the specific terms agreed upon between the parties involved. It is advisable to consult with a solicitor or a licenced conveyancer who specialises in leasehold matters to get an accurate estimate of the costs involved based on your particular situation.

Q. How much does it cost to extend a leasehold in uk ?

The cost of extending a leasehold in the UK can range from a few thousand pounds to tens of thousands of pounds, depending on factors such as the remaining lease length, property value, and negotiated terms with the freeholder. Additional costs include legal fees, valuation fees, and disbursements such as Land Registry fees. It’s recommended to seek professional advice for an accurate estimate based on your specific situation.

Valuation for buying the freehold of a leasehold house in the UK

December 15, 2020

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At some point in time, you must have considered buying the freehold of your property. The house was originally sold to you on a leasehold basis. If you buy your freehold you get more control of your property. You gain more freedom in deciding what you want to do with the property and, if alterations are in your mind, how much you want to spend on them. Sometimes when you’re a leaseholder of a property, the ground rent and service charges that you pay to your freeholder can get inflated to exorbitant proportions. You could end up paying unreasonably high ground rent to the freeholder.

It is not only flats that have historically been sold as leasehold, some houses (new and old) have also been sold on a leasehold basis. Multiple limitations and unfair contract clauses with the freeholder can even impair you from being able to sell your property easily.

Under such circumstances, it is perfectly justified to buy the freehold of your property. You would certainly enjoy the freedom.

Check your eligibility

The Leasehold Reform Act 1967 (the 1967 act) gives leaseholders the right to buy the freehold of the property. The process of valuation of buying the freehold of a leasehold house in the UK is also known as ‘Enfranchisement’ or ‘Freehold Enfranchisement’ where the leaseholders themselves become the freeholders of the property. However, there are a few requirements you need to meet for being eligible to buy the freehold of your leasehold house.

Valuation for buying the freehold of a leasehold house

Once you have checked your eligibility you need to calculate the price for buying the freehold of the property. Now, this price depends on several different factors and since the rules for calculating the price have changed through various amendments made to the 1967 act, it is quite complicated to calculate the price by yourself. It is recommended to get professional help from a surveyor to get a fair estimate of what you should be paying for the freehold.

Methods of Valuation

There are two different methods of valuing the house under the 1967 act known as ‘Original Valuation’ and ‘Special Valuation’ you can also use a freehold calculator for houses. Under relevant sections of the 1967 act, these are mentioned as

Section 9 (1) – the house will be valued based on the original value of the site known as the Original Valuation basis

Section 9 (1A), (1C) – the house will be valued on the Special Valuation Basis which includes a part of the marriage value.

Which of the above two valuation methods is applicable on your property depends on the qualification criteria and you or the landlord have no say in it.

The house will be valued on the Original Valuation basis if under Section 9 (1) of the 1967 act if the house meets the value limits and the lease qualifies the original low-rent test. Otherwise, in all other cases, the property will be valued according to the Special Valuation Basis, including cases where the lease has been extended under Section 14 of the 1967 act.

To get a reasonable idea of the prices for buying the freehold of a leasehold you can also visit our freehold of a leasehold house calculator.

After the Valuation

When the valuation is carried out or after using a freehold calculator for a house, irrespective of the method used, the price for the freehold is valued as being sold in an open market to eliminate any biasing towards either party. The motive of the 1967 act is to maintain fair trade between the leaseholder and the freeholder and provide adequate compensation to the freeholder for the loss of their property. The act does not aim to help the freeholder drive a bargain in his favor. The property is valued according to the open market price to ensure the freehold is transferred at a fair price to the leaseholder. Using the Special Valuation method does drive up the cost of the freehold when compared to the Original Valuation basis, so it is better to work out the details beforehand.

After the valuation, you may open up a dialogue with the current freeholder for negotiating the prices. If both parties settle on a price, the documentation may be completed. However, in cases where a settlement cannot be reached, the First-Tier Tribunal can be involved. The Tribunal acts as an unbiased third party and its role is not to rule in either the leaseholder or the freeholder’s favor. It makes an independent decision so the prices decided by the tribunal may not reflect what you or the freeholder may have decided.

You as a leaseholder have to start the process by issuing a formal notice of claim to the freeholder. It is important to seek professional advice from a valuation surveyor with good knowledge of the market so you know what costs you are going to incur before you initiate the process.

If you are looking for a lease extension in Slough, UK contact us for any kind of assistance. Our team of chartered surveyors can help you successfully negotiate your lease extensions or enfranchisement. Give us a call for a consultation today.