Landmark barristers appear in High Court challenge to leasehold reform

The judicial review of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 (LFRA) began in the High Court this week. The case is being heard by a Divisional Court (Holgate LJ and Foxton J).

The challenge, brought by a group of major freeholders and charities, contests the compatibility of LFRA with the European Convention on Human Rights, particularly Article 1 of Protocol 1 (A1P1), which protects the right to peaceful enjoyment of possessions.

The case has attracted national media attention due to its potential wide implications for leasehold enfranchisement, as well as for the future of property law reform. It also raises important questions about the balance between public interest legislation and private property rights. Press coverage of the case can be found on the BBC here.

Landmark Chambers has nine barristers acting in this case:

• James Maurici KC and Natasha Jackson, instructed by Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP, acting for the Cadogan and Grosvenor Claimants.
• Julia Smyth KC, instructed by Hogan Lovells International LLP, acting for the Wallace Claimants. Tim Buley KC was also involved in the earlier proceedings.
• Richard Moules KC, Ellodie Gibbons, Hafsah Masood and Katharine Elliot, instructed by The Government Legal Department, acting for the Defendant. Galina Ward KC was also involved in the earlier proceedings.