Licence for alterations fixed fee service
Planning Works to Your Flat? Here’s Why You Need a Proper Licence for Alterations
If you’re preparing to renovate your flat, whether it’s removing a wall, upgrading your kitchen, laying wooden flooring or installing new plumbing, there’s one crucial step many leaseholders overlook: securing a formal Licence for Alterations.
Most modern leases require you to obtain the freeholder’s written consent before carrying out anything more than minor works. Failing to do so can jeopardise future sales, cause disputes and even leave you in breach of your lease. A well drafted licence protects you from those risks by clearly recording what has been approved, under what conditions and with what technical safeguards.
But the process can feel uncertain without specialist support. What drawings do you need? What conditions might the freeholder impose? How long will it take? And how do you avoid delays or unreasonable demands?
This is where Peppercorn Law makes all the difference.
We specialise exclusively in leasehold matters and act for leaseholders, residents’ management companies and freeholders in relation to alteration applications. That means we understand the concerns on both sides and how to navigate them smoothly to reach a fair, practical agreement.
If you are researching licences to alter, head to our guidance note
Clear guidance. Efficient progress. No unnecessary stress.
When you instruct Peppercorn Law, you’ll receive step by step guidance through the entire alterations consent process, including:
Reviewing your lease to confirm what level of consent is required
Advising on the documents, drawings and reports the freeholder is likely to expect
Leading the negotiations for the Licence for Alterations
Ensuring the terms are reasonable, proportionate and accurately reflect the works
Our fees for a straightforward two party lease and minor works application start at £995 plus VAT (20%)), giving you a clear and predictable cost from the outset. You should budget an additional £50 for typical disbursements we incur on your behalf. For more complex buildings or structural works, we will provide a transparent fixed fee before work begins.
Get your project off to the right start
A Licence for Alterations is more than a legal formality. It is your protection, your evidence of consent and your safeguard when you come to sell. With specialist support, the process shouldn't be stressful or unpredictable.
If you're planning works and want clear, expert guidance please get in touch.
We will guide you through the process of obtaining formal consent to alterations, negotiating the terms of the licence and handling matters up to completion, with our fees starting from £995 plus VAT (20%) for a simple two party lease and minor works application. In most cases you should budget for disbursements that we incur on your behalf of around £50.
review legal position
review lease, legal titles and proposed alterations
legal documents
draft and approve licence for alterations
completion
complete licence to alter, organise payment of landlords legal and valuation costs
Consider a deed of variation
The licence is a formal consent for works to go ahead. However to update legal title at the Land Registry, you will need a deed of variation of the lease plan. We can handle this along side agreeing the licence and our fee would be an additional £600 plus VAT (20%) and Land Registry fees of £45.
A Spengler
Ricky Coleman at Peppercorn Law was incredibly helpful throughout our recent legal process. He acted swiftly, communicated clearly, and handled everything with professionalism and care. Ricky’s attention to detail and dedication made what could have been a complex situation feel smooth and well-managed. We were especially impressed by how quickly he completed the legal documents and how he kept all parties informed.
S Hartly
Ricky is a truly gifted solicitor. He is an expert in leasehold property law and I would highly recommend him!
C Valentine
Ricky is such a valuable resource. His knowledge and ability to help me navigate leasehold technicalities was so very helpful. He cautioned me about the pitfalls so that I felt able to make an informed decision about the options available and my next steps.
