Our Senior Solicitor Featured in Aces Terrier – What Leaseholders Need to Know

We’re delighted to share that Callie Tuplin, Senior Solicitor in our Leasehold Enfranchisement team, has been featured in the Spring 2026 edition of Aces Terrier.

In her article, Callie explains the major changes being introduced to leasehold ownership as a result of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024, along with further reforms the government is continuing to roll out. These changes are some of the biggest the leasehold system has seen in decades and could directly affect anyone who owns, is buying, or is selling a leasehold property.

What Are the Key Changes to the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024?

Callie’s article breaks down the most important reforms in a clear and practical way, including:

• No more two‑year waiting period
  Leaseholders will no longer need to own their property for two years before applying for a lease extension. This means you can extend your lease as soon as you are registered as the owner of the property at the Land Registry
• Removal of “marriage value”
  Marriage value, an extra cost often payable when extending shorter leases, is proposed to be abolished. This is expected to significantly reduce the cost of lease extensions, where the lease has dropped below 80 years.
• New 990‑year lease extensions
  Leaseholders will be able to extend their lease by 990 years, giving long‑term security and making the property much more attractive to buyers and lenders. Many people see this as being close to owning a freehold in practice.
• Clear deadlines for landlords
  Landlords will be required to respond within set timeframes during leasehold transactions. This should help cut down delays, making buying and selling leasehold properties far less stressful.
• Stronger protections around service charges and management
  The reforms aim to improve transparency around service charges, raise professional standards, and give leaseholders better routes to challenge unfair practices.
• Proposed cap on ground rent
  Draft legislation proposes a £250 cap on ground rent, which may have wide‑ranging effects for homeowners, investors, and developers.

You can read Callie’s full published article for a detailed legal analysis here.

How Could These Changes Affect You?

These reforms are still being phased in, but they may already influence decisions you’re making now. Our article helps:

• Leaseholders understand their new rights, reduce costs, and protect the long‑term value of their home.
• Buyers and sellers benefit from smoother transactions, improved mortgage options, and fewer delays.
• Freeholders and managing agents prepare for new legal obligations, reporting requirements, and complaint processes.
• Investors and developers assess how the changes could impact property values and income streams.

In short, the reforms aim to create a fairer and more transparent leasehold system, but it is important to understand how they apply to your own circumstances. While the abolition of marriage value and the introduction of 990‑year lease extensions are included in the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024, these measures have not yet come into force. They are currently being challenged by a group of freeholders, and permission has been granted for an appeal against the initial decision in favour of the Government.

Specialist Leasehold Advice You Can Rely On

Our experienced Leasehold Enfranchisement team advises on all aspects of leasehold property, including:

• Lease extensions
• Collective enfranchisement
• Right to Manage
• Consents for alterations
• General leasehold advice

We act for individual leaseholders, landlords with property portfolios, managing agents, and investor clients across Essex and Suffolk. If you’re unsure how these leasehold reforms may affect your property or plans, our team is here to provide clear, practical advice tailored to you.