Summary of Reddit Comments on "Lease Extension UK Flat Freehold":

Dealing with neighbors trying to remove balcony:

• Get legal advice: "Get proper legal advice, it is worth paying for."
• Check insurance and seek an injunction: "Contact your insurer and check for legal expense cover... talk to them... looking into an injunction... expressly forbids the removal of your amenities for any improvement works."
• Consider structural concerns: "A neighbor cannot remove part of your property... I would appoint your own surveyor... I would say that it would be hard to get a balcony put on their roof later..."
• Don't agree to anything without legal advice: "Contact your insurer, and don't agree to anything."
• Consider legal action if necessary: "Get a solicitor and write back... you don't consent to the removal of your balcony."

Leasehold and ground rent concerns:

• Seek a Solicitor: "I think you'll need a solicitor to deal with this."
• Concerns about ground rent doubling: "The doubling ground rent situation should make you run for the hills."
• Seller's deceptive actions: "The vendor is lying to you to try and get rid of the flat."
• Beware of leasehold challenges: "The estate agent has no responsibility to confirm anything about the lease."

General Advice:

• Evaluate regarding ground rent and lease terms: "I agree with the other commentators that you steer clear of leaseholds."
• Review legal implications with a Solicitor: "Don't rely on them for updates about the law... so they need to know the specifics."
• Consider future implications: "The buyer's solicitor won't want to rely on future law... someone can only work with the facts on a specific property."

This comprehensive summary reflects diverse perspectives on legal and structural issues related to a lease extension, ground rent concerns, and dealing with deceptive sellers or challenging neighbors. It emphasizes seeking legal advice, being cautious about leasehold conditions, and ensuring one's rights are protected.