What are leasehold reform valuations?
Leasehold reform valuations are carried out under specific legislation that governs the rights of residential leaseholders in England and Wales. They establish the premium that must be paid to a freeholder when a leaseholder exercises their statutory right to extend a lease or acquire a freehold, either individually or as part of a collective enfranchisement.
Because the premium is calculated using a method prescribed by law, these are not straightforward market valuations. They require specialist knowledge of the relevant legislation, an understanding of current case law, and awareness of how the rules are continuing to evolve.
Accurate leasehold valuation advice matters equally to leaseholders and landlords, as both parties have a direct financial interest in the outcome.
"Leasehold reform valuations sit at the intersection of complex legislation and financial negotiation. Getting the premium right from the outset, whether you are the leaseholder or the freeholder, can make a considerable difference to the outcome. Our role is to make sure you are fully informed and well-represented at every stage."
Everything you need to know about the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024
The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 (LAFRA) received Royal Assent on 24 May 2024 and introduces the most significant changes to leasehold law in England and Wales for a generation.
Many of its provisions are still being brought into force through secondary legislation, and reform continues to develop, most recently with the publication of a draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill in January 2026.
The most relevant changes for anyone considering a lease extension or enfranchisement claim include:
- The removal of marriage value from the premium calculation
- The extension of the standard lease term to 990 years
- The removal of the two-year ownership requirement that previously prevented recently purchased leaseholders from making a claim
- Leaseholders will also no longer be required to meet their freeholder's costs in enfranchisement proceedings, with each party now bearing their own costs.
As secondary legislation is still being introduced and the timetable for further measures has not been fully confirmed, the current reform period presents particular challenges. We strongly recommend seeking up-to-date professional and legal advice before taking any steps, as the rules that apply to your claim will depend on when it is made.
Our leasehold reform valuation services
Lease extension valuations for flats
Leaseholders of flats have the statutory right to extend their lease by 990 years under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993, as amended by LAFRA. Our lease extension valuation surveyors will calculate the correct premium, advise you on a realistic opening position, and handle negotiations with your freeholder on your behalf.
Lease extension valuations for houses
For leaseholders of houses, we provide expert valuation advice to support both voluntary and statutory lease extensions, as well as freehold purchase under the Leasehold Reform Act 1967. Our team will assess the relevant factors affecting the premium and work to secure an outcome that reflects your position accurately.
Collective enfranchisement
Collective enfranchisement allows the qualifying majority of leaseholders in a residential block to purchase the freehold of their building together. As enfranchisement valuation specialists, we advise residents' associations and Right to Manage companies on the price to be paid, guide the negotiation process, and represent your group at the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) where a settlement cannot be reached by agreement.
Negotiation and Tribunal representation
Reaching a fair settlement through negotiation is always our preferred route. Where a landlord and leaseholder cannot agree, however, our team is experienced in preparing expert evidence and representing clients before the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). We will present the strongest possible case on your behalf and keep you informed throughout.
How we approach a leasehold reform valuation
When you instruct us, your dedicated lease extension valuation surveyor will inspect the property and gather the information required to prepare an accurate premium calculation. We will then present our valuation clearly, set out our recommended negotiation strategy, and keep you updated as discussions progress.
Our valuation department operates under an ISO 9001-certified quality management system, ensuring consistent, robust procedures on every instruction. If the matter proceeds to Tribunal, we will prepare a thorough expert report and represent your interests with confidence.
Why choose BTG Eddisons for leasehold reform valuations?
Working with our team gives you access to:
- RICS-certified consultants with specialist knowledge of leasehold reform legislation
- Valuations conducted in accordance with RICS Red Book Global Standards
- ISO 9001-certified quality management procedures on every instruction
- A proven track record of achieving premiums that reflect our clients' best interests
- Experienced Tribunal representation where a negotiated settlement cannot be reached
- Over 180 years of professional experience across the property sector
- A network of 550 employees across 35 offices, allowing us to deliver national coverage with local expertise
Speak to our leasehold reform valuation team
Whether you have received a notice, are exploring your options for the first time, or need Tribunal representation, we are here to help. Complete the form below, and a member of our team will be in touch.
Frequently asked questions about leasehold reform valuations
What has changed under the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024?
The Act introduces a wide range of changes, the most significant of which for leaseholders seeking a valuation include:
- The abolition of marriage value in premium calculations
- The extension of the standard lease term to 990 years
- The removal of the two-year ownership rule.
- Leaseholders will also no longer be required to cover their freeholder's costs in enfranchisement proceedings.
Many of these provisions are still being introduced through secondary legislation, so the rules applying to your claim will depend on its timing. We recommend contacting us for advice on the current position.
