What the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 Means for Developers and Residents
The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 marks a pivotal moment for residential property in England and Wales. Building on earlier changes such as the Ground Rent Act 2022, the new legislation reflects a growing push to improve leaseholder rights, introduce greater transparency, and raise expectations across the block and estate management sector.
At Glide, we’re already seeing the effects - and the opportunities - this reform brings for both developers and residents. Here's what you need to know.
A New Era for Leaseholders
For leaseholders, the changes are significant. Lease extensions are now easier to obtain and more generous, with the default term increasing from 90 years to 990 years. That kind of security is not only reassuring for homeowners but also enhances long-term property value.
The Act also places greater emphasis on transparency. Service charges and administration fees must be presented in clearer, more detailed formats, giving residents a much better understanding of what they’re paying for and why. This is not just about compliance - it’s about restoring trust in the way buildings and estates are managed.
Residents also now have more control. The updated legislation strengthens the Right to Manage, making it easier for leaseholders to take over the running of their building if they’re dissatisfied with the current arrangements. In short, the power balance is shifting - and managing agents must rise to the challenge.
What This Means for Developers
For developers, these reforms raise the stakes around post-completion care. Buyers are more informed, more empowered, and more likely to challenge poor management. The quality of your appointed agent - and the clarity of their communication - directly impacts resident satisfaction, brand reputation and long-term relationships.
This is where proactive management becomes critical. At Glide, we work closely with developers to ensure a smooth handover and a frictionless resident experience from day one. Our focus on digital tools and transparent reporting ensures that everything -from service charges to maintenance updates - is available at a glance. This level of visibility is no longer a ‘nice to have’. It’s an expectation.
Technology, People, and the Path Forward
At this year’s UKREiiF conference, one theme was loud and clear: the future of estate management lies in the smart use of technology - not just to drive efficiency, but to enable better human service.
We’re already seeing the benefits. AI-led document checks are reaching 90–95% accuracy, while automated maintenance tracking allows our teams to focus less on admin and more on meaningful resident engagement. This kind of innovation helps us not only meet new regulatory standards but exceed them - all while improving satisfaction across the board.
Yet as technology advances, the human element remains central. It’s not just about meeting legal requirements, but about creating well-managed, well-connected communities where people feel heard, supported, and at home.
Glide’s Response
Glide has long advocated for raising standards in our sector, so this reform feels like a natural next step - and one we’re prepared for. We’ve invested in platforms that deliver transparency at every level. We train our people to support and guide residents through change. And we work closely with our developer clients to ensure they meet - and exceed - evolving expectations.
These reforms don’t just change the rules. They set a new benchmark. And we’re ready for it.