Leasehold and Commonhold Reform
Leasehold law is changing. The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 (LAFRA) introduced reforms designed to make leasehold ownership simpler, fairer, and more transparent. The government published the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill in January 2026, and in September 2026 announced plans for further reforms. Whether you’re a leaseholder, freeholder, property investor or developer, we’ll explain what the leasehold reforms mean for you, your property and your plans for the future.
Key changes to leasehold law
The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 introduced important changes for leaseholders and freeholders. You no longer need to have owned your property for two years before extending your lease. Right to Manage also applies to more mixed use buildings, including those with up to 50% non-residential space. In most cases, each side now covers its own RTM legal costs.
What could the proposed leasehold reforms mean for you?
Amongst other measures, the draft Commonhold andLeasehold Reform Bill 2026 proposes limiting ground rents to £250 a year,reducing them to a peppercorn (£0) after 40 years, and making it simpler forleaseholders to convert their homes to commonhold. The reforms proposed in September 2026 also includeregulating property managers, requiring them to hold a licence and appropriatequalifications to operate.
How does commonhold property ownership work?
Commonhold gives you outright ownership of your flat while sharing responsibility for communal areas with other owners. There’s no lease, ground rent or external landlord. Instead, owners manage areas such as hallways, roofs and gardens through a Commonhold Association, creating a different approach to owning and managing flats.
How does commonhold property ownership work?
Commonhold gives you outright ownership of your flat while sharing responsibility for communal areas with other owners. There’s no lease, ground rent or external landlord. Instead, owners manage areas such as hallways, roofs and gardens through a Commonhold Association, creating a different approach to owning and managing flats.
Leasehold reform support for owners and property professionals
We work with leaseholders, freeholders, property developers and managing agents dealing with changes to leasehold law. Whether you’re responding to reforms already introduced or preparing for future legislation, we’ll help you understand what the changes mean for your property and your plans.
Our specialist expertise
We review leases, advise on extensions, support RTM claims, and guide clients through commonhold conversion. Our focus is always on what’s best for your property goals, not just what’s legally possible. We help you stay one step ahead, so you’re ready to act when the time’s right.
Questions we’re often asked
Yes, although unanimous consent is currently required. Proposed reforms may make the process easier.
Not straight away, but the government intends to phase out leasehold for new flats and establish commonhold as the default form of ownership.
It depends on your situation. If you’re selling or refinancing, waiting may not be an option. We can advise you based on your remaining lease term, your circumstances and when the proposed changes are expected to take effect.
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