In this guide
What is statutory enfranchisement?
Enfranchisement is the formal exercise of a legal right to buy the freehold. For qualifying houses in England and Wales, the relevant framework is the Leasehold Reform Act 1967. It differs from simply asking the owner whether they are willing to sell.
Start with eligibility and specialist advice
Your property, lease and ownership structure need assessment. Holding a lease does not automatically establish eligibility. The former two-year ownership requirement for houses was removed from 31 January 2025; the other qualifying conditions still matter. Flats follow a different framework.
How BeFreehold helps
Tell us about your home and why you are considering the formal route. We can help you explore the next steps and the specialist legal and valuation support needed. Before any formal claim begins, agree who is instructed, who handles each task, the costs and the authority to proceed. The £99 voluntary approach service is not a statutory instruction.
| Stage | What to establish |
|---|---|
| Assess the right | Check the qualifying lease, property and interests involved. |
| Assess the statutory figure | Obtain appropriate specialist valuation advice. |
| Make the formal claim | Prepare and serve the correct notice through the appointed adviser. |
| Address the response | Resolve eligibility, price and terms, with a tribunal or court where appropriate. |
| Complete and register | Complete the transfer and registration under the separately agreed professional scope. |
Why can it cost more?
Budget for your own legal and valuation work, applicable landlord costs and any dispute-related work. A contested claim can increase the scope considerably. Request a written estimate identifying the premium, professional fees, possible additional costs and withdrawal consequences. We have not set a standard statutory service price.
Why can it take longer?
The formal claim, responses and any disputes add stages that a successful voluntary agreement may avoid. LEASE notes that enfranchisement can take a year or more. This is background guidance, not a timetable for your case; ask the appointed advisers for a realistic plan.
Can I change my mind?
A formal claim may create cost liabilities even if the purchase does not complete. Take advice before serving or withdrawing a notice. Statutory deadlines and consequences differ from the decision points in our voluntary service.
Check the latest law
Some reforms are in force and others remain pending. The basis for the assessment must be the rules operating when you proceed, rather than an assumed future reform. Read our reform guide.
Sources and further reading
LEASE: qualifying criteriaLEASE: making a claimLEASE: reform statusGeneral information for leasehold houses in England and Wales. Your lease, title and proposed terms determine your own position.