"We’re seeing a huge rise in leaseholders reaching out because the current system just isn’t working for them anymore"
- Raminder Uberoi - Starck Uberoi Solicitors
41% of LEASE helpline enquiries since 2019 came from London leaseholders, despite the capital making up only 15% of England’s population.
London law firm Starck Uberoi has reported a surge in leaseholders seeking to take collective action to gain control over their buildings. The rise mirrors national figures showing growing interest in leasehold enfranchisement and Right to Manage.
More than a third of homes in London remain leasehold. According to government figures, over 7,400 leaseholders contacted the Leasehold Advisory Service (LEASE) between late 2022 and the end of 2024 to enquire about freehold purchases or exercising the Right to Manage, marking an increase of over 18% during that time.
LEASE data also shows that 41% of all helpline enquiries since 2019 came from London leaseholders, even though the capital accounts for only around 15% of England’s population. This reflects the prevalence of leasehold ownership in the city, where 36% of homes are leasehold and 62% of flats fall under this tenure, according to London Councils.
“London flat owners are fed up with being overcharged, ignored or left in the dark by managing agents they didn’t choose,” said Raminder Uberoi, partner and head of property law at Starck Uberoi Solicitors. “We’re seeing more and more leaseholders in London take legal steps to reclaim control over their buildings.”
One route is collective enfranchisement, where leaseholders jointly buy the freehold from the landlord. This gives them decision-making powers over maintenance, service charges and lease extensions. “Once the freehold is in the hands of the leaseholders, they can set fairer budgets, choose their own contractors and renew leases without fear or confusion,” added Raminder.
For those not looking to purchase the freehold, the alternative is Right to Manage, which allows leaseholders to assume full responsibility for day-to-day management without owning the building.
Starck Uberoi said the spike in demand has been fuelled by growing frustration with service charges, poor management, and the slow pace of wider reform.
“We’re seeing a huge rise in leaseholders reaching out because the current system just isn’t working for them anymore,” said Raminder. “The Leasehold Reform Act has finally shone a light on just how unfair the status quo is, and people are starting to realise they have legal options.
"One of the biggest drivers is the sheer cost. We’ve had clients show us service charge increases of over a thousand pounds a year, with no clear breakdown or explanation. That kind of expense simply isn’t sustainable. Then there’s the management side.
"People are dealing with agents who don’t return calls, ignore repair requests, or suddenly hike insurance premiums. It’s frustrating, and for many, it’s the last straw. In the past, leaseholders felt powerless. Now, they’re realising that the law is on their side and that they don’t have to just put up with it.”
While reforms are progressing, the firm warns that many changes will take time to take effect.
“There’s a lot of optimism about the reforms, and rightly so,” added Raminder. “But leaseholders still need to work within the current system for now. If you’re being overcharged or poorly managed, you don’t have to wait for the law to change. You can do something about it now.”
According to the firm, the process begins with the right legal advice. “Leaseholders are often intimidated by the legal process, but they don’t need to be,” said Raminder. “A solicitor can assess your building’s eligibility, help you serve the right legal notices, and guide you through the entire process from start to finish. To get the ball rolling, all you need is at least 50% of the flats in the building to take part."
"Once successful, you can collectively become the new freeholders or take over building management through a company you all control. The common goal is always the same: more control, more transparency, and a fairer deal. When leaseholders finally take over their building, the sense of relief is huge. They know their money is being spent properly. They know who to speak to and they feel like real homeowners.”
Starck Uberoi has also joined the Association of Leasehold Enfranchisement Practitioners (ALEP), a professional body representing solicitors and surveyors specialising in leasehold reform. “ALEP membership means clients can trust they’re getting advice from a recognised specialist,” said Raminder. “This is a complex area of law, and people deserve expert support, especially when their home and financial security are at stake.”
