Your location: Extending the lease
This content applies to England only.
Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. This page applies to England only. Get advice relating to Scotland
Most leaseholders have the right to extend their lease. You may want to do this if there are not many years left on the lease you originally bought. It may increase the value of your home and is usually easier than buying the freehold.
The law changed on 26 July 2002, making it easier for leaseholders to extend their leases. This section explains the new rules, which apply to anyone who begins the process after that date. If you began the process before 26 July 2002, there are some extra rules, so you should check with your solicitor.
The rules on whether you can extend your lease and how this is done depend on whether your home is a house or a flat. If you need help, contact the Leasehold Advisory Service, a solicitor or use the Advice Services Directory to find a housing aid centre, citizens advice bureau or other advice centre in your area.
Extending the lease on a flat
Explains the right most flat owners have to extend the lease on their homes by 90 years, and what's involved in the process. Read more 
Extending the lease on a house
Information on how leaseholders of houses can normally extend their lease for 50 years. Read more
