James Compton

Partner · Head of Enfranchisement · Leasehold Property

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Introducing...

James Compton

James joined Comptons Solicitors LLP in 2002.

James was named as a “Rising Star” in Thomson Reuters Super Lawyers, London 2014 and 2015 directories. He founded Comptons’ Leasehold Property department, Lease Clinic, in 2010 which was shortlisted by the Law Society for a business and marketing award in excellence. The Lease Clinic was also winner of an ERMA, the industry awards for Enfranchisement, with James awarded Highly Commended as an individual practitioner. James has podcasts published by the Leasehold Advisory Service and regularly writes articles on various aspects of property law. James qualified as a Solicitor on 15 January 2004.

James specialises in real estate projects including enfranchisement, group statutory & voluntary lease extensions, issues facing property management and right to manage. He has expertise in company law and regularly advises property companies. His corporate/commercial experience and knowledge facilitates advice on matters such as investment structures for collective enfranchisements and the development of estates.

James became a Partner in 2009 and was appointed the firm’s Compliance Officer for Finance and Administration in 2019. 

James acted for the successful claimant in the controversial and widely reported enfranchisement case of Cowthorpe Road 1-1A Freehold Limited v. Wahedally CLCC (Ch) [2017]. 

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James loves spending time with his daughters, cycling, watching rugby, playing piano (badly) and motor cycling.

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Insight from James

Understanding Commonhold: A Guide to Converting Your Leasehold Property

Commonhold is a form of freehold ownership tailored for multi-unit buildings, such as blocks of flats. Each owner holds the freehold title to their individual unit (e.g., a flat) and becomes a member of a commonhold association—a company limited by guarantee that manages shared spaces like hallways, roofs, and gardens. The association operates democratically: decisions on maintenance, budgets, and rules are made by unit owners, typically through voting based on allocated shares.

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The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 has washed up. What does it mean?

On Friday 24th May 2024 the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 (“LAFRA”) was given Royal Assent during what is known as the “wash up” and the last parliamentary session of Sunak’s Conservative Government. It follows the Law Commission’s consultation (which started in 2018) which recommended fundamental changes to the valuation methodology and the legal process with a view to making it cheaper and easier for leaseholders to extend their leases and buy their freeholds.

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