Extending a Flat Lease in Eastbourne: A Coastal Guide for Leaseholders

Eastbourne’s property market includes some of the South Coast’s most sought-after flats, from Victorian conversions in Meads to modern waterside apartments in Sovereign Harbour. However, many of these are held on leases that are steadily shortening and the cost of extending rises sharply once your term drops below 80 years. Acting early can save thousands and protect your flat’s value.

Why Lease Length Matters in Eastbourne

Most flats in Eastbourne were originally sold on 99- or 125-year leases. While these can feel long at the outset, time passes quickly, and the closer your lease gets to 80 years, the more expensive it is to extend. Below this threshold, “marriage value” becomes payable — an extra cost payable to the freeholder that can add thousands to the premium.

A shorter lease can also make selling harder and restrict mortgage options. Some lenders are unwilling to finance flats with less than 80 years remaining, which can limit your buyer pool and affect the price you achieve.

Common Scenarios in Eastbourne

• Meads: A flat with 82 years left secured a competitive sale after the owner extended before marketing.

• Sovereign Harbour: A seller needed a lease extension valuation within 48 hours to keep a mortgage buyer’s transaction on track.

• BN21: A leaseholder saved over £5,000 in premium costs by acting a few months before hitting the 80-year threshold.

Our Advice for Eastbourne Leaseholders

• Act Early: Consider extending when you have 85–90 years left. This gives you more negotiating power and avoids the marriage value cost.

• Get a Professional Valuation: A RICS-compliant lease extension valuation provides a clear, evidence-based premium range, useful for both formal (statutory) and informal negotiations.

• Know Your Options: You can either follow the statutory route under the Leasehold Reform Act 1993 or negotiate directly with your freeholder. Each route has different timelines and costs.

Local Knowledge
We regularly work with leaseholders in Meads, Old Town, Eastbourne Seafront, and Sovereign Harbour, providing valuations that stand up to negotiation and Tribunal scrutiny. Our reports are independent, transparent, and tailored to the Eastbourne market.