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Leasehold and Freehold Reform

This hub has been developed as a comprehensive guide to leasehold and freehold reform, tracking key legislative developments and providing guidance on the impact that those changes have in practice on the real estate market.

The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 (LAFRA) received Royal Assent on 24 May 2024.

LAFRA applies to England and Wales and implements commitments in the Conservative government’s 2017 housing white paper to “improve consumer choice and fairness in leasehold.” It takes forward many of the leasehold reform recommendations made by the Law Commission in their report of 2020 and forms the foundation for the most significant reforms to the leasehold system for a generation.

LAFRA is the second part of a legislative package for leasehold reform following on from Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022 which put an end to ground rents for most new, qualifying long residential leasehold properties in England and Wales.

While some provisions of LAFRA came into force in July 2024, the majority are being phased in gradually, with further secondary legislation expected throughout 2025 and 2026. The government have recognised the need to balance “speed with care” to ensure that the measures brought into force are to the lasting benefit of leaseholders and residential freeholders. In addition, it has been recognised that LAFRA contains “a small number of specific but serious flaws which would prevent certain provisions from operating as intended and that need to be rectified via primary legislation”. As a result leasehold reform remains a work in progress.

Following the general election on 4 July 2024, the implementation of LAFRA has progressed, but the full impact remains uncertain. While some key provisions have been introduced, further details including changes to the valuation methodology for enfranchisement claims, are expected to be implemented gradually via secondary legislation.

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How our lawyers can help

Our lawyers provide personalised advice, ensuring you fully understand how LAFRA’s provisions apply to specific circumstances. If you are considering extending your lease or purchasing your freehold, we can guide you through the process under the new legislative framework, helping you make informed decisions at every stage. For those facing disputes over service charges, insurance fees, or other leasehold matters, our team offers expert representation to resolve conflicts efficiently and protect your interests.  We act for landlords, leaseholders, and investors advising on all aspects of freehold, leasehold and commonhold ownership and associated management matters.

If you have any questions about the new legislation or need assistance with leasehold matters, contact our expert leasehold enfranchisement team to discuss how we can support you.

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