One year on… and we are asking if Leaseholders are still left in limbo?
The UK government’s ambitious overhaul of the leasehold system—long criticized as outdated and unfair—has been hailed as a transformative step toward empowering homeowners. Yet, despite the promise of sweeping reforms, a new sentiment is emerging among leaseholders: reform fatigue. This growing weariness stems from the slow pace of implementation, legal uncertainties, and the emotional toll of navigating a complex and often adversarial system.
The promise of reform
In May 2024, the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act was passed, aiming to simplify lease extensions, eliminate ground rents, and make it easier for leaseholders to buy their freeholds. The government also announced plans to ban the sale of new leasehold flats and reinvigorate commonhold as the default tenure. These changes were intended to mark the “beginning of the end” for what has been described as a “feudal” system of property ownership.
The reality
One year on, many of the reforms have yet to come into full effect. Key measures—such as the simplification of enfranchisement and the widespread adoption of commonhold—remain in limbo.
Adding to the uncertainty, freeholders have launched legal challenges, including applications for Judicial Review, arguing that the reforms threaten their income streams. These legal battles have further delayed implementation and created confusion among homeowners about their rights and options.
Is it all bad news?
The good news is that not all leaseholders are affected by leasehold reform fatigue as the proposed amendments do not necessarily have a big effect, in financial terms, on their situation. Most leaseholders decide to proceed with extending their lease or purchasing their freehold because they prefer the certainty of knowing it is in hand rather than waiting until further provisions are implemented.
Surveyors are reporting that the threat of the reforms are having beneficial effects at the negotiation stage of enfranchisement matters. As a result, there is an impact in real terms that, whilst not guaranteed, is beneficial to leaseholders.
Leasehold reform in the UK is undeniably a step in the right direction but there is further work that needs to be done before the reforms can deliver the goods.
How Moore Barlow can help
Negotiating with landlords can be a complex and stressful process. Regulations are often complex too. We can explain your rights, manage the negotiations on your behalf and ensure that the landlord complies with their duties and that any price for a lease extension or purchase of a property is fair and legal. Get hold of our Leasehold enfranchisement solicitors to discuss your situation.
