Leasehold reform has been a major policy area in England and Wales for years. Recent legislation has changed ground rents, enfranchisement, and lease extensions — but implementation dates and transitional rules matter for any decision you make.
Key changes so far
- Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022: most new residential long leases in England and Wales cannot charge ground rent above a peppercorn (effectively zero)
- Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024: further changes including longer standard lease extension terms and removal of marriage value in some cases for England — check which provisions are in force on your start date
What this means for existing leaseholders
Existing leases are generally unaffected by ground rent caps unless extended or varied under new rules. The direction of travel is toward greater rights — easier enfranchisement, fairer premiums, and fairer treatment on new leases.
Reform is complex. Freeholders, developers, and managing agents may interpret transitional provisions differently.
Before you commit:
For a lease extension or collective purchase, use a specialist leasehold solicitor who works from current legislation and tribunal decisions — not general summaries alone.
MyEstateHub tracks regulatory themes here; your solicitor applies the law to your lease and building.