Leasehold Solicitor Fees: A Complete 2025 Cost Breakdown

What are the realistic total legal costs for a UK lease extension? This guide breaks down every fee including the freeholder's costs you are legally required to pay.

The Full Legal Cost Picture

One of the most common surprises in leasehold enfranchisement is that you pay not only your own professional costs but also the freeholder's reasonable legal and surveyor costs. Total professional fees can rival or exceed the premium itself for lower-value properties.

Your Own Solicitor's Fees

For a standard, uncontested flat lease extension expect your solicitor to charge £1,200–£2,800 plus VAT. Costs rise for absent freeholders, complex ownership structures, properties with existing disputes, or First-tier Tribunal proceedings (add £2,000–£5,000).

Your Surveyor's Fees

A RICS-registered enfranchisement surveyor charges either a fixed fee of £700–£1,500 or 10–15% of the premium with a minimum fixed fee. For Tribunal proceedings add £2,000–£5,000 for expert reports and attendance.

The Freeholder's Costs That You Must Pay

• Freeholder's solicitor: £800–£2,000
• Freeholder's surveyor: £600–£1,200

These must be "reasonable" and can be challenged at Tribunal if inflated. However, you cannot refuse to pay genuinely reasonable professional fees as a matter of law.

How to Keep Costs Down

1. Use a specialist enfranchisement firm — they are faster and more efficient than generalists
2. Get at least two quotes and ask for a fixed fee where possible
3. Settle the premium through surveyor negotiation and avoid Tribunal where possible
4. If multiple leaseholders in the same building are extending simultaneously, negotiate group rates