Tenure & lease
How much does it cost to extend a lease?
A few £000s with 90+ years left; £10,000s once under 80 (marriage value), plus fees.
Informational only — not legal or financial advice. For the specifics on a property, get OfferCheck.
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Related questions
Should I buy a flat with a short lease?
Below 80 years triggers marriage value (costlier to extend); below ~70 restricts lenders; below 60 is a serious problem.
Full answerCan I get a mortgage on a lease under 80 years?
Often harder; many lenders restrict below ~70 years and decline below 60.
Full answerHasn't leasehold been abolished?
Not yet for existing flats — marriage-value abolition and 990-year terms are not in force as at May 2026.
Full answerCan I extend right after buying?
Yes — the 2-year ownership wait was removed on 31 Jan 2025.
Full answerWhat is marriage value?
The value uplift from extending, currently shared with the freeholder when under 80 years remain.
Full answerIs the ground rent a problem?
Peppercorn/low-fixed is fine; doubling or >0.1% of value blocks lenders/buyers.
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