If we are talking about what is known as a “long leasehold” flat or apartment (i.e.
IMPORTANT – LEASEHOLD REFORM UPDATE – JANUARY 2026
The government announced the new Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill on January 27, 2026. Potentially it has a major impact on both leaseholders and freeholders. The situation is complex. Click the link below for a comprehensive summary of what is proposed, where we are at now along with some guidelines to help you make any necessary decisions in the meantime.
Keep up-to-date with the proposed changes – click here to read our Leasehold Reform Latest News
Although extending the lease of a leasehold house is perfectly possible (under the Leasehold Reform Act 1967), unsurprisingly this particular right is hardly ever used – for the simple reason that buying the freehold of a house (a process often referred to as enfranchisement) is usually much more attractive.
And you may be surprised to find out how many leasehold houses there are still nationwide. More than seven million homes in England are on a leasehold basis, according to a 2019 government report titled “Estimating the number of leasehold dwellings in England”.
This means that almost 7% of all houses are not owned freehold but rather on a temporary tenancy agreement between a landlord and tenant.
And that’s why the vast majority of long leaseholders, once they realise why freehold purchase is so much more attractive, go down that route.
Simply click here to visit the page on our website about buying the freehold of your leasehold house
In short, the right to buy your freehold is only available if your lease must was originally granted for a term of at least 21 years – which is often referred to as “long leasehold”. So the right to buy your freehold doesn’t apply if you only have say a monthly or yearly tenancy.
Whether you are looking to buy your house’s freehold or extend its lease, getting the right valuation is essential. And it’s important to note that when the lease term drops below 80 years, an additional premium – known as “marriage value” – must be paid. To avoid additional costs, it’s important to start the process of buying your freehold or extending the lease on your house before this point!
Whether you own the lease on a long leasehold house and are looking to extend the lease or buy the freehold, our specialist team can help.
The team does nothing but freehold purchase and lease extension work for both freeholder and leaseholder clients throughout England and Wales.
If we are talking about what is known as a “long leasehold” flat or apartment (i.e.
Freehold purchase of a block of flats (which is often referred to as collective or lease
What are the benefits of taking on the right to manage? The main benefit
Solicitors Specialising in Licences to Alter There are many reasons why the owner of
Solicitors Specialising in Licences to Alter There are many reasons why the owner of
Specialist Lease Enfranchisement Solicitors Freehold purchase of a block of flats (which is often
Our experienced solicitors have helped clients throughout England and Wales achieve the best outcomes in enfranchisement, lease extension, and right-to-manage cases.
We also work closely with trusted surveyors and block management companies, offering a complete service from start to finish.
We offer free initial legal advice and nationwide coverage.
No meeting is required, as we can manage your entire case by phone, email, or video call.
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