For leasehold homeowners in England & Wales Received a letter?
Homeowner guide

Leasehold reform: should I buy my freehold now?

Some reforms are operating and others are still pending. Whether to buy now or wait depends on your lease, available deal, plans and the rules in force when you proceed.

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In this guide

Separate current rules from proposed changes

A law being passed, a consultation or a policy announcement does not mean every measure is already operating. Check the commencement and current guidance for the particular change before relying on it.

What has already changed?

The two-year ownership requirement for buying a qualifying house freehold was removed from 31 January 2025. This does not remove the other eligibility conditions.

What remains pending?

LEASE’s guidance updated on 1 October 2026 identifies further valuation and landlord-cost reforms as not yet implemented. Their effect and timing should not be assumed in your present purchase figure. Follow the linked official guidance for updates.

How to weigh buying now against waiting

Consider the deal available, your lease term, ground rent, sale plans and the consequences of delay. Compare current routes and likely costs with a specialist where necessary. We do not promise that buying now is always better, or that waiting will produce a particular saving.

Our voluntary valuation is not a future statutory price

The indicative valuation supports a voluntary proposal. It does not predict the figure under a future statutory formula, and seller agreement remains necessary on the voluntary route.

Sources and further reading

LEASE: implemented and pending freehold reformsGOV.UK: enfranchisement reform explainer

General information for leasehold houses in England and Wales. Your lease, title and proposed terms determine your own position.

Prepared for BeFreehold · Updated 9 October 2026Professional review pending
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