Professor Nick Hopkins was announced on 2 November 2026 as the new Chair of the Leasehold Advisory Service (LEASE). He will strengthen the organisation's role in advocating for the rights of leaseholders and park home owners in England and Wales.
LEASE is a government-funded body that provides free advice and information on issues including commonhold and building safety. As Chair, Professor Hopkins will offer strategic direction as LEASE modernises its services and helps leaseholders understand their rights.
Professor Hopkins previously served a decade as the Law Commissioner for Property, Family and Trust Law and is currently Professor of Land Law at University College London. He has been a notable proponent of reforming the leasehold and commonhold system.
He takes over from Martin Boyd, who led LEASE since 2023. Minister for Housing and Planning, Matthew Pennycook MP, congratulated Professor Hopkins, stating he looks forward to working with him to progress reforms to end the leasehold system. Professor Hopkins expressed his delight at the appointment, looking forward to supporting homeowners and promoting their rights, as well as preparing for the transition to commonhold.