Lease Extension
and Freehold Enfranchisement
Specialist valuations for leaseholders seeking to extend their lease or purchase the freehold, and for freeholders responding to such claims.
The 2024 Act has changed the rules. Find out what this means for you.
Lease Extension and Freehold Enfranchisement
If you own a leasehold flat or house, you have statutory rights to extend your lease or, with other leaseholders, purchase the freehold of your building. The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 has introduced significant changes to how these rights work, making the process more accessible and in many cases less expensive than it was previously.
Whether you are a leaseholder looking to extend your lease or acquire the freehold, or a freeholder responding to a claim, specialist valuation advice is essential. The premium payable is calculated using a specific legal methodology and the difference between a well-evidenced and a poorly-evidenced position can be substantial.
Which Applies to You?
Select your situation below to find out how we can help.
A lease extension gives you a longer lease, removing the time pressure and protecting your property's value and mortgageability. Under the 2024 reforms, leaseholders can now extend by 990 years with no ground rent.
Premium Valuation
We calculate the premium payable using the statutory methodology, drawing on comparable evidence to give you a well-evidenced starting position.
Negotiation
We negotiate directly with the freeholder's surveyor to reach a fair settlement, or provide you with the tools and evidence to negotiate yourself.
Statutory Notice
We advise on the formal statutory notice process, including eligibility, timing and the implications of serving or receiving a Section 42 notice.
Tribunal Representation
Where terms cannot be agreed, we provide expert evidence and representation at the First-tier Tribunal Property Chamber.
Freehold enfranchisement is the right for leaseholders to collectively purchase the freehold of their building. The 2024 reforms have increased the qualifying non-residential limit and removed the two-year ownership requirement.
Collective Claim Advice
We advise on qualifying criteria, the number of participating leaseholders required and the process for bringing a collective enfranchisement claim.
Freehold Valuation
We calculate the premium for the freehold purchase using the statutory methodology, including the value of ground rents, reversion and any development potential.
Negotiation
We negotiate with the freeholder on behalf of the participating leaseholders to reach a fair agreed price, or advise freeholders on responding to enfranchisement claims.
Tribunal Representation
Where an agreed price cannot be reached, we provide expert evidence and representation at the First-tier Tribunal Property Chamber.
Key Changes Under the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024
The Act introduced significant reforms to how lease extensions and freehold enfranchisement work. Here is what has changed.
990-Year Extensions for Houses and Flats
The standard lease extension term has been extended to 990 years for both houses and flats. This effectively makes extended leases perpetual and removes the need to extend again in future.
Increased Non-Residential Limit for Collective Claims
The non-residential limit for collective enfranchisement claims has been increased from 25% to 50% of a building's internal floor area, bringing more mixed-use buildings within scope.
Two-Year Ownership Requirement Removed
The requirement to have owned a property for at least two years before making a statutory lease extension claim has been removed, meaning buyers can pursue a lease extension immediately after purchase.
Fresh Claims After Withdrawal
Leaseholders can now bring fresh collective enfranchisement or lease extension claims immediately after withdrawing a previous claim, removing a procedural barrier that previously limited their ability to restart negotiations.
Marriage Value Removed for Sub-80-Year Leases
Marriage value has been removed from the premium calculation for leases with fewer than 80 years remaining. This is one of the most significant financial changes, reducing the cost of extending shorter leases considerably.
Please note: While the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 has received Royal Assent, most provisions are not yet in force. Until the new provisions take effect, the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 continues to apply.
Other Valuation Services
We provide valuations across a wide range of property types and purposes. Browse our other services below.
Commercial Property Valuations
RICS Red Book valuations for offices, retail, industrial and mixed-use assets.
Find out more
Commercial Rent Review and Leasehold Advisory
Independent advice on rent reviews, lease renewals and leasehold disputes.
Find out more
Compulsory Purchase
Expert valuation and compensation advice for landowners affected by compulsory purchase orders.
Find out more
Matrimonial
Independent valuations for divorce and separation proceedings, accepted by solicitors and courts.
Find out more
Tax, Probate and IHT
Valuations for inheritance tax, capital gains tax and probate, prepared to HMRC requirements.
Find out more
House of Multiple Occupancy
HMO valuations using the conversion uplift and income approaches, tailored to your requirements.
Find out more