Leasehold And Commonhold Reform – Government Statement Confirms Timing and further reforms

The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 received royal assent in the wash up just prior to the election.
 
It included some of the changes around the rights of leaseholders of flats and houses to obtain extended leases and the freehold that The Law Commission had recommended, i.e. providing for leases to be extended by 990 rather than 90 years, doing away with the need to have owned for two years to qualify for an extended lease and bringing more buildings within the right to enfranchise or manage by increasing the threshold of non-residential parts from 25% to 50%.

Buying a house with an annexe and Stamp Duty Land Tax

Before you bid for a houses with an annex you need to carefully consider the amount of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) you will have to pay; it is complicated.

Strengthening Leaseholder Protections over Charges and Services – Consultation Summary

The Government has published an open consultation titled “Strengthening Leaseholder Protections over Charges and Services,” which runs until 26 September 2025. This consultation accompanies the implementation of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 and is part of the wider legislative programme designed to rebalance the leasehold system in favour of flat owners and occupiers.

The consultation targets the next phase of reforms: improving transparency around service charges, regulating managing agents, and reforming major works and reserve funds.

While all of these reforms seem to favour leaseholders, ultimately life may become more expensive, and some flats may be more difficult to sell as a result.