Selling a leasehold flat in 2026? Things to sort out before you put it on the market

18th September 2026 | Asha Ngai | Residential Property, Leasehold Property, Selling a Property

Selling a leasehold flat invariably involves more documentation than selling a freehold house. With significant leasehold reform under way, there is even more reason for sellers to make sure their paperwork is in order before accepting an offer.

Here are five things worth checking before putting a leasehold property on the market.

1. How long is left on your lease?

Do not wait for the buyer’s solicitor to tell you that the remaining lease term is an issue.

The length of the lease can affect value and mortgageability. If the term is becoming short, take advice before marketing about whether a lease extension should be considered.

The law relating to lease extensions is itself undergoing significant reform, so current advice should always be obtained rather than relying on what may have applied when the property was purchased.

2. What does your lease say about ground rent?

Check both the current ground rent and any provisions for it to increase.

Ground rents have been a significant issue for lenders and buyers in recent years and the Government is now proposing further fundamental reform of existing ground rents.

The precise terms of the lease therefore need to be considered rather than simply looking at the amount currently being paid.

3. Are there major works on the horizon?

Buyers will want to know the current service charge, whether there are arrears and whether substantial expenditure is anticipated.

If the managing agent has already indicated that major works are planned, it is usually better to deal with the issue openly at the beginning.

Questions about who will pay for works taking place after completion can then be addressed as part of the negotiations rather than immediately before exchange.

4. Have you made alterations to the flat?

Removed a wall? Changed the flooring? Replaced windows? Reconfigured the layout?

Your lease may have required the landlord’s consent.

If consent should have been obtained but was not, identifying that issue before marketing gives your solicitor time to consider how best to deal with it.

5. Order the management pack early

One of the most avoidable causes of delay in leasehold transactions is waiting for information from the landlord or managing agent.

The buyer’s solicitor is likely to require information about service charges, insurance, planned works and management arrangements.

Ask your solicitor what information can be requested as soon as you decide to sell.

Leasehold is changing

Leasehold law is currently undergoing substantial reform.

The Government has published a draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill and intends commonhold ultimately to become the default tenure for new flats, alongside a proposed prohibition on most new leasehold flats.

That does not mean existing leasehold flats cannot be bought and sold. Millions of homes remain leasehold and will continue to change hands.

It does mean that obtaining specialist advice is increasingly important.

The best leasehold transactions are often those where the legal work begins before the buyer has even been found.

If you are considering selling a leasehold property, getting the title and lease reviewed at the outset can identify potential problems and give you time to resolve them before they threaten your sale.

To find out more, please contact our Residential Property Team.