Owning your own home

Has anyone here gotten around to renegotiating the lease on their flat? Is it worth it using a solicitor? It seems like something one could try to do oneself, but it's a murky process so a stitch in time etc...

And has anyone got tips about surveyors that:
1) don't charge the world
2) won't overprice my flat

Ask some neighbours if they've done it. Using an agent that's familiar with the building and freeholder is your best bet.

It's perfectly possible to do it yourself, but if an agent has done it before they'll be quicker, maybe more successful and shouldn't charge much.