Extending a Lease?

[Octoposse]

Idiot's guide please!

My wife has found a nice town centre flat to buy for her parents - it's a nice location, pleasant one bedroom flat, balcony, view over the park. The sellers will accept £79k.

BUT the lease has only 68 years to run, and seller's Estate Agents won't comment on possibility of extending, etc.

Before we start spending money on Solicitors, any rules of thumb or stuff we should know?

Thanks . . .