The Crown Estate granted a lease to English Heritage to open the house and grounds to the public. HLF provided funding towards a capital works programme in 1998, which included a major programme of works for long-term operation as a historic property. These works included repairs and safety improvements, visitor facilities and restoration of the interiors and gardens to allow full public access, interpretation and preservation of the site.

Eltham Palace is considered one of the most important medieval royal sites in England. It is one of the few medieval royal palaces in England to survive with substantial remains intact.