You have looked into the possibility of extending your lease ' you have owned your flat for 2 years on a lease that was originally given for 21 years or more (a long lease). Therefore you know that you can qualify to do so. This article looks at your right to extend your lease for a further 90 years.
Great, so far. It helps that you feel quite good with figures and your confidence is high. Lots of your friends have tackled all kinds of much bigger projects without the expense of employing a legal guy. Some say that they have relished the challenge. Realistically this should not be a huge hassle.
Trawling through the internet in the evenings, searching for any relevant advice. You find plenty and it's great. You feel really in control now. Lease extension looks cool.
It becomes a kind of passion. The internet is a great tool for this kind of thing; you can acquire lots of information. The process of extending your leasehold doesn't sound that complex. From what you read, to extend your lease you just need to keep a clear head, write things down and document everything in a file. You're a nice amenable sort of chap too, the sort that can get on with anyone and settle disputes easily. A smile, offer of a drink in the pub and most things can be done without stress.
DIY, that's the job.
Then you discover about valuations, marriage value, tenant rights, landlord responsibilities and various regulations; all useful material, when extending a lease. As well the highly strict procedure and fixed timetable followed for a lease extension. You skip over the bits about needing a specialist solicitor. Not a chance, I can easily start my own business and do a DIY extension!
There might for some information that you read about the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal, but this might be for others, not you. Play Mr Nice Guy and your extended lease will be yours in a few weeks. Not so; it is still a good idea to use the internet to gain a basic understanding and find out some relevant facts. However, it is the best advice to get a good and specialist solicitor who really understands or complications of leasehold extension - and not trying a DIY leasehold extension.
After all, you might be prepared, but are you unarmed?