Hello

Has anyone ever extended the lease on a property?
Is it a complicated procedure,

Could anyone recommend an agent at all please?

Thanks!

Or should you use a solicitor?

It isn't what most people would class as a fun or simple process and lots depends on the freeholder.

You need a valuer who will normally be a chartered surveyor but check out these if you haven't already:

DirectGov

FindAProperty

Try the Leasehold Advisory Service - http://www.lease-advice.org - they're a Government funded body who will give you good advice FREE!

I've recently used Ablitts in Sydenham ( http://www.ablitts-solicitors.co.uk/) for a lease extension (and sale) and was happy with their service. In the end it all went reasonably well in my case, but I know that it can be a very drawn out process, depending on whether you decide to do a "fair value" type survey first and come to an agreement quickly, or try to negotiate hard. For the valuation, I think I used a surveyor from Hindwoods in East Dulwich, who also did a good job.