Skip to main content
OUR SERVICES

Lease extensions and deeds of variation

Clear, practical advice to help you protect the value and flexibility of your leasehold property.

How we can help

Leases don’t last forever, and as the remaining term shortens, your property’s value can decrease, and your options may become more limited. Whether you need to extend your lease or update its terms, our experienced property team is here to guide you through the process clearly and efficiently.

We’ll explain your rights as a leaseholder, handle negotiations with your landlord and ensure that all legal documents are drafted and completed correctly. With our help, you can protect your investment, avoid unnecessary complications and maintain the long-term value of your property.

OUR SERVICES

Lease extensions

Extending your lease is often the best way to protect the value and saleability of your property – particularly when the remaining term drops below 80 years. Acting early can also help you avoid higher costs later on.

We can advise on both formal lease extensions (under the Leasehold Reform legislation) and informal, negotiated extensions with your landlord. Our role is to make sure the process runs smoothly – from serving initial notices and reviewing valuations to agreeing new terms and registering the extension with the Land Registry.

We’ll liaise with valuers and managing agents where needed, keeping communication clear and progress on track. Whether you’re a homeowner or an investor with several properties, our aim is to make extending your lease as straightforward and stress-free as possible.

OUR SERVICES

Deeds of variation

A deed of variation is used to make changes to an existing lease – for example, to correct errors, extend or amend terms, or comply with new lender requirements. It can also be used to adjust ground rent clauses or repair obligations that no longer meet current standards.

We’ll review your lease carefully, identify what needs to change, and draft or negotiate the deed on your behalf. Our advice is always practical and transparent – ensuring that any variations protect your interests, meet mortgage lender conditions, and are properly registered.

FAQs

Whether you’re extending your lease or updating its terms, it’s important to understand how the process works. Here are some of the questions we’re most often asked – and our simple, practical answers.

Ideally before it drops below 80 years, as costs increase significantly after this point. Acting early also makes your property easier to sell or remortgage.

Most statutory lease extensions add 90 years to your existing term and reduce ground rent to a nominal amount. Informal agreements can differ, but we’ll make sure the terms are fair.

Yes, but you have a legal right to request an extension if you meet certain criteria. We’ll explain the process and manage all communication with your landlord.

A lease extension increases the length of your lease, while a deed of variation changes specific terms within it – for example, ground rent, rights of access or repair obligations.

It varies, but most take a few months. We’ll keep the process moving and update you at every stage so you always know what to expect.

Why choose Belcher Addison?

Leasehold matters can feel complex, but with the right legal support, they don’t have to be. Our property team combines specialist leasehold knowledge with a personal approach, ensuring every step is explained clearly and handled efficiently.

We’ll take time to understand your situation, communicate openly with all parties and make sure your interests are protected throughout. With Belcher Addison, you can move forward with confidence knowing your lease is secure, compliant and future-proof.

Contact us

Get in touch

Visit us at our North Street or West Street offices in Emsworth, call or email us, or arrange a video appointment. However you’d like to get in touch, we’re ready to help.