Leasehold Extension

redbricks

Ten years ago I tried to extend my Lease. I paid for a survey and instructed a Solicitor. My Mortgage Endowment had matured and I deposited it on my Mortgage Account while I found out about the process.
After three months my Solicitor came back to me and said they couldn't act for me because they acted for the Freeholder.
I found a new Solicitor who wanted evidence that I had the money.  The building Society wouldn't give me my money back. They had change their rules.
Ten years later I looked into this again.
But I now need three times the amount. Which is quite ridiculous.
I am nearing retirement and am not able to borrow such a sum. 
I see from you Forum many people have issues with the cost.
The whole issue of Leasehold seems very out of date. 
The proposals for changed don't sort retrospective issues. This needs better clarification.
It seems very wrong that my property will be rendered worthless to me in my old age.

Jonboy_1984

Some initial questions to try and help:

How long is left on the lease?

Has the lease dropped below 80 years in this 10 year gap? If so then “marriage value” will have kicked in, this being a premium based on the increase in property value (50% of said increase as you are deemed to benefit and the landlord wants a piece of the pie). This would would account for a large increase.

Have you approached the freeholder for an informal lease extension or is this via the statutory section 42 process?

Did you pay for your own survey or pay upfront for the freeholders survey, which are two different things?

Have you looked at the calculators on the leasehold advisory service website?

Sadly a lease is in reality a very long term rental agreement.