Professor Nick Hopkins has been appointed the new Chair of the Leasehold Advisory Service (LEASE), replacing Martin Boyd, who has held the position since 2023.
The appointment was announced on 2 November 2026, with Professor Hopkins taking up the role immediately. His appointment is expected to last three years.
He will be responsible for providing strategic leadership and direction as LEASE continues to update its services and strengthen support for leaseholders and park home owners across England and Wales.
New Chair Brings Extensive Property Law Experience
Professor Hopkins brings considerable experience in land and property law to the position.
He previously spent 10 years as the Law Commissioner for Property, Family and Trust Law in England and Wales, where he led work on residential leasehold and commonhold reform.
He currently serves as Professor of Land Law at University College London (UCL) and has been a prominent advocate for changes to the leasehold and commonhold system.
During his time at the Law Commission, he contributed to proposals designed to give homeowners greater control over their buildings.
Government Welcomes Appointment
Housing and Planning Minister Matthew Pennycook MP congratulated Professor Hopkins on his appointment, expressing his readiness to work with the new Chair during the ongoing reform of the leasehold sector.
He said the government was working to provide relief for leaseholders while advancing reforms aimed at bringing the existing leasehold system to an end.
Pennycook also acknowledged Martin Boyd’s contribution over the past three years, crediting his leadership, expertise and commitment with bringing considerable improvements to LEASE and its services for leaseholders and homeowners.
Hopkins Commits to Supporting Leaseholders and Commonhold Reform
In his response, Professor Hopkins said he was pleased to take on the leadership role at a critical period for the sector.
He said he looked forward to working with LEASE’s board and staff to protect the interests of leasehold homeowners and park home owners in England and Wales.
He also highlighted the importance of preparing existing and future homeowners for the transition to commonhold as the standard form of ownership for flats, adding that he wanted homeowners to understand and benefit from the changes.
Outgoing Chair Reflects on Three Years of Leadership
Martin Boyd said he was pleased to hand over the position after completing his three-year term.
He explained that transforming LEASE had been his original responsibility and that the organisation’s transition was now almost complete.
Boyd described the progress made as a foundation for Professor Hopkins to continue developing the organisation, particularly as legislative reforms move forward.
He also thanked LEASE staff and the Department for their support throughout his tenure, noting that Professor Hopkins’ knowledge would be valuable in ensuring consumers receive the assistance they need.
LEASE Plans Further Improvements to Its Services
LEASE Chief Executive Kion Ahadi welcomed Professor Hopkins, pointing to his background in leasehold and commonhold reform as an important addition to the organisation.
Ahadi said the new Chair would help LEASE prepare for upcoming changes while working towards more personalised advice and stronger digital services.
He added that improving the organisation’s digital capabilities would make it easier for leaseholders and park home owners to access the support they require.
Ahadi also thanked Boyd for his leadership and dedication to the interests of leaseholders and park home owners during his three years in the position.
Government Confirms Further Leasehold Legislation
The government reiterated its commitment to improving the experience of leaseholders as part of its wider housing reforms.
The Prime Minister has confirmed that the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill will be introduced to Parliament before the end of 2026.
