Leasehold reforms explained
Overview
Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024
The main reforms in the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 concern aspects of:
- lease extensions
- buying the freehold
- service charges, building insurance and management
- ground rent ‘buyout’
The reforms aim to make it easier and cheaper for leaseholders to buy their freehold, increase standard lease extension terms to 990 years for houses and flats, and provide greater transparency over service charges. They will also remove barriers for leaseholders to challenge their landlords’ unreasonable charges at Tribunal.
Timeframe: what we know
When will the reforms be fully implemented?
The government has not confirmed a date for when all the reforms will be fully implemented.
The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 is being implemented in phases. Many reforms need further consultation and secondary legislation.
Some reforms have already been implemented. For example, you can now extend your lease or buy the freehold as soon as you own your home (the old 2-year ownership rule has been abolished).
- Last updated:
- 28 January 2026
- Next review:
- 27 July 2026