Lease length is the number that moves the price
The single biggest leasehold factor is the number of years left on the lease. Once a lease drops towards 80 years it starts to cost real money to extend (because of an extra payment known as “marriage value”), and many mortgage lenders are wary of short leases — which shrinks your buyer pool and your price. Above roughly 90–100 years, lease length is rarely an issue.
If your lease is getting short, it is often worth either extending before you sell or, at least, getting a clear quote for the cost so you can price and negotiate from facts. A buyer will discover the lease length anyway; it is far better that you raise it first.
Ground rent and service charges
Buyers and their lenders also scrutinise ground rent and service charges. Onerous ground rent terms — particularly clauses that double over time — can make a flat hard to mortgage and sell. High or unpredictable service charges, or a large pending “major works” bill, will also weigh on offers.
Gather your paperwork early: a copy of the lease, recent service-charge accounts, the buildings insurance and any notices about major works. Having this ready speeds up the legal process and builds buyer confidence.
Pricing and selling in Aberdeen
Price a leasehold flat against genuinely comparable sales — other flats with similar lease terms in the same area, not freehold houses. The live Aberdeen sold prices below include flats and give you a realistic anchor; pair that with your lease specifics to set an asking price that will actually transact.
If the lease is short and time is tight, auction or a cash sale can suit, since both attract buyers who are comfortable with lease issues — but, as ever, benchmark any offer against real local values first.