Tenure & lease

What is marriage value?

The value uplift from extending, currently shared with the freeholder when under 80 years remain.

Informational only — not legal or financial advice. For the specifics on a property, get OfferCheck.

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.

Can I get a mortgage on a lease under 80 years?

Often harder; many lenders restrict below ~70 years and decline below 60.

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.

Hasn't leasehold been abolished?

Not yet for existing flats — marriage-value abolition and 990-year terms are not in force as at May 2026.

Can I extend right after buying?

Yes — the 2-year ownership wait was removed on 31 Jan 2025.

Is the ground rent a problem?

Peppercorn/low-fixed is fine; doubling or >0.1% of value blocks lenders/buyers.