If you own a leasehold flat, chances are you’re paying service charges, ground rent, and following rules set by an external landlord. But that doesn’t have to be permanent. Thanks to the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024, flat owners can now come together and buy the freehold through a process called collective enfranchisement—without waiting two years or navigating outdated hurdles.
This form of enfranchisement is not just about ownership—it’s about empowerment. It allows residents to regain autonomy over how their homes are managed and maintained. No longer do they have to endure years of mismanagement, delayed repairs, or excessive service charges with little transparency. Instead, they gain a legal voice in the decisions that directly affect their everyday lives.
As of 2025, the eligibility threshold is more generous. Your building can contain up to 50% commercial space (up from 25%), and you can start the process immediately after purchase if your flat was originally sold on a long lease (over 21 years). As long as at least half of the flats are owned by qualifying leaseholders, your group likely qualifies. These eligibility reforms have opened the door for more buildings, including mixed-use developments and converted commercial units, to access this right.
Once eligibility is confirmed, leaseholders collaborate to set up a nominee purchaser (typically a limited company), instruct a solicitor to serve a Section 13 Notice, and hire a surveyor to calculate the freehold premium. Since the anticipated removal of marriage value in 2025, the cost of buying the freehold will become more predictable and fairer. This has levelled the playing field for leaseholders, especially those in older buildings where leases have started to shorten.
The Next Steps
Once the Section 13 Notice has been served and negotiations begin, leaseholders should be prepared for a period of back-and-forth with the freeholder, often involving valuation discussions and potential counter-notices. Having expert legal and valuation guidance during this stage is essential, as it ensures the premium paid reflects current market conditions and complies with the updated statutory framework. If terms can’t be agreed upon, the case may be referred to the First-tier Tribunal, though many disputes are resolved before reaching that point. Throughout the process, a solicitor experienced in collective enfranchisement—like the team at Starck Uberoi—can ensure compliance with deadlines and protect leaseholders’ interests, helping to avoid costly mistakes or delays.
Post-Purchase Benefits
Buying the freehold means you’ll no longer need permission from a landlord to make alterations, you can appoint your own managing agent, and you’ll have total control over service charges and maintenance schedules. Each leaseholder can also extend their lease to 990 years at a peppercorn ground rent—completely eliminating rent payments. It’s not just about reducing costs; it’s about investing in a secure, manageable, and valuable future for your property.
Beyond practical advantages, owning the freehold can create stronger communities. Residents who manage their own building often report increased cooperation and improved quality of living. Decisions are made locally by those who care about the property, not by remote landlords.
Benefits of Taking Control:
- Remove ground rent: Stop paying ever-increasing fees.
- Self-management: Take charge or appoint someone you trust.
- Longer leases: Extend to 990 years automatically.
- Lower charges: Set fairer service and maintenance fees.
- More value: Add security and appeal for future buyers and lenders.
How can Starck Uberoi help you
At Starck Uberoi Solicitors, we’re trusted specialists in collective enfranchisement for leasehold flat owners. As accredited members of ALEP, we offer expert guidance at every step—from eligibility checks to negotiations and filings. Whether you’re planning to start the process soon or are simply exploring your options, our legal team is here to help.
Our Offices
Our conveyancing solicitors in Brentford act for buyers and sellers across west London, as do our conveyancing solicitors in Ealing. We also handle property work from our Belgravia office, our conveyancing solicitors in Pinner, our Richmond office and our Canterbury office.
Our partner, Raminder Uberoi, can also offer a Notary Public Service at any of our London offices.
