Support Solutions UK help Cumbria Community Homes with technical consultancy and advice in terms of their structural framework. We are also responsible for constructing their rent and service charges. Recently Cumbria Community Homes commented "Thanks Danny we couldn't have done it without you. Your knowledge and expertise in the sector is amazing. You go above and beyond for us. No better partner to help us grow. We will be forever grateful."
The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 (LFRA 2024) received Royal Assent on 24 May 2024, officially becoming law in England and Wales. Although the Act is now law, most of its provisions are not yet in effect, since they depend on secondary legislation, consultations, and resolution of legal challenges.
WHAT PROVISIONS ARE ALREADY IN EFFECT?
31 January 2025: The “two-year rule” was abolished—leaseholders can now extend a lease or buy the freehold immediately upon purchase of a leasehold property .
3 March 2025: Key changes to the Right to Manage took effect including leaseholders in buildings. Up to 50% is non-residential can now claim this right (previously capped at 25%).
Leaseholders no longer have to cover the freeholder’s legal costs when exercising the Right to Manage—costs now fall on each party unless ordered by a tribunal .
24 July 2024: Section 113 came into effect, imposing new rules on owners of historic rent charges (pre-1977). It restricts enforcement powers and removes certain remedies like forced entry .
WHAT PROVISIONS ARE STILL PENDING ?
Many of the more extensive reforms such as long lease extensions (up to 990 years), abolition of marriage value, capping of existing ground rents, and reforms to service charges and leasehold enfranchisement have not yet been implemented.
WHAT CAN WE EXPECT ?
- Secondary legislation and further consultations (ongoing throughout 2025) .
- A draft Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill expected later in 2025, and a White Paper that has already been published on commonhold reform.
- Legal challenges (Judicial Reviews) are currently underway concerning key provisions like lease extension valuations and the marriage value mechanism. These hearings took place around July 2025 and may further delay implementation.
WHAT IS THE TIMELINE FOR THE REST OF THE PROVISIONS TO COME INTO EFFECT?
Most remaining provisions are not yet in force. The government has signalled that key parts will roll out gradually through 2025 and possibly into 2026, subject to:
Completion of necessary secondary legislation, outcomes of public consultations, resolution of legal challenges, and progress of the draft Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill in Parliament.
THE EXPECTED TIMELINE
24 May 2024 – Act received Royal Assent
24 July 2024 – Section 113 (historic rent charges) enforced
31 January 2025 – Abolition of the two-year qualifying period
3 March 2025 – Expanded Right to Manage; change in cost responsibility
Late 2025 / Early 2026 – Further reforms contingent on consultations, secondary legislation, and legal resolution