Leasehold reform
Lease extensions: the basics in 2026
What has changed already, and what is still waiting.
Reviewed by Mark Cunningham AssocRICS MTPI MIFSM, Leasehold Director. Last reviewed 3 October 2026.
Owners of flats can usually extend their lease under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993.
Already changed
Since 31 January 2025, you no longer need to have owned the flat for two years before claiming.
Not yet in force
The 2024 Act will allow 990-year extensions and remove marriage value, but the valuation rates still need to be set. A consultation on those rates closed on 23 September 2026.
Next step
Get a valuation and legal advice before serving a notice. Timing can affect the price.
Sources
The Property Institute: update on the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024LEASE: the Leasehold Advisory ServiceHow we can help
Full block managementChanging your agentWe provide block management across Southport, Churchtown and Kew, Birkdale and Ainsdale, Formby, Ormskirk and Aughton, Crosby and Maghull, Bootle and Litherland, Liverpool, Hesketh Bank and Tarleton and Preston, Penwortham and Longton. For the law in brief, see Know the law.Related reading
Ground rent: what the law says nowLeasehold reform: what is in force, and what is not yetGeneral information about the law in England, not advice on a particular building.