Many lenders restrict short leases. A valuation clarifies risk and options for remortgage or sale.
Extension premiums rise as the term shortens. Knowing the likely range avoids surprises and helps you budget accurately.
Whether you extend via the statutory route or by agreement with your freeholder, an independent valuation supports fair negotiation.
A Lease extension is when a Leaseholder pays to increase the length of time left on their property Lease. This gives them more years of ownership and can increase the property’s value. It also helps avoid higher costs in the future, as leases become more expensive to extend when they get shorter. Lease extensions are common for flats and usually require agreement with the Freeholder.
We provide clear, RICS‑compliant advice for Leaseholders and their solicitors across London, South East and the Midlands. We also provide negotiation services where we negotiate agreeable premiums with The Freehold/Leaseholders surveyor.
For Leaseholders – Leaseholders should seek an extension as your Lease approaches 80 years unexpired. It’s sensible to act early. Under the current statutory method, additional costs (such as marriage value) may apply once below this threshold. Even well above 80 years, premiums increase yearly, so early advice can save money.
For Freeholders – Freeholders require professional Lease Extension valuation advice whenever a Leaseholder seeks to extend their lease — whether through a formal statutory claim or informal negotiation. Upon receipt of a Section 42 Notice, the Freeholder must obtain an expert valuation to assess the correct premium under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993. Valuation advice is also essential during negotiations, Tribunal proceedings, collective enfranchisement claims, and for strategic asset management — particularly where leases fall below 80 years and marriage value becomes payable.
At Sterlingworth Surveyors, we provide clear, defensible and commercially focused valuation advice to protect freeholder interests and support effective negotiations.
RICS Registered Valuers experienced in leasehold reform
Clear, defensible valuation suitable for negotiation or tribunal
Explanation of assumptions and sensitivity analysis
Support through negotiations with your freeholder and advisors
Transparent, upfront fees
We confirm your lease details and objectives.
We review your lease, gather comparables and inspect if required.
You receive a clear valuation report with next‑step guidance.
We assist with offers, counter‑offers or third‑party determination if needed.
Yes. Whilst the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act has been approved, this is currently being subject to appeal (as at February 2026). In addition to this a second bit of legislation needs to be approved. This can take an undisclosed amount of time. In the interim, the existing rules are still in force. Under current law, extra cost may apply below 80 years. Reforms are under way, and we’ll advise on the latest position.
Under current rules, the statutory route grants a 90 year additional term with ground rent reduced to a peppercorn. Future reforms propose even longer terms however this is still a work in progress and could take years.
Once we have your details, we typically deliver reports promptly. If an inspection is required, we’ll arrange this at your convenience. We usually require between 6-7 working days to issue a virtual valuation report.
Yes. We regularly support Leaseholders and their solicitors during negotiations and at tribunal stage. All reasonable endeavours are made to avoid a Tribunal as this can be costly and time consuming with no guaranteed outcome.
No. We provide valuation advice only. You should also instruct a solicitor experienced in Leasehold reform to handle notices and legal documentation.
Speak with one of our team today to understand your options and next steps.
Important: Information on this page is general and applies to England and Wales. It is not legal advice. Valuation rules and leasehold reforms may change; we’ll advise on the latest position when instructed.
