On our blog Leasehold Reform Latest News we keep you posted on the latest developments in relation to Leasehold Reform and the Commonhold Reform Bill. On this page we considered how key stakeholders view the reforms.
The leasehold reform initiative has triggered a wide range of reactions from those most affected, including leaseholders, property professionals, and political parties. While the reforms have been broadly welcomed as a step in the right direction, there remains concern about the detail, timing, and long-term impact of the changes. Here we provide an overview of opinions voiced by some of the key stakeholder groups impacted by the proposed changes.
Leaseholders and Campaign Groups
Leaseholders and campaigners have expressed cautious optimism. The Leasehold Knowledge Partnership (LKP), a leading charity in the sector, called the Act “a good start” but warned that leaseholders are still facing challenges, particularly due to the slow rollout of the reforms. The LKP continues to press for comprehensive implementation, greater regulation of managing agents, and protection from unfair ground rents and service charges.
Many homeowners have voiced concern about ongoing issues with existing leases. One leaseholder, speaking to The Guardian, said rising ground rent made it difficult to sell their flat: “It’s so unfair. The ground rent is doubling every 15 years – that’s going to ruin our move.” (The Guardian, 12 November 2024)
Developers, Freeholders, and Legal Experts
The development and investment sectors have been more critical. Concerns include reduced returns on leasehold investments and the loss of “marriage value” in lease extension calculations. Some freeholders have launched judicial review proceedings, arguing that parts of the Act interfere with property rights under the Human Rights Act (HomeOwners Alliance, 2025).
Legal experts have also raised procedural concerns. According to a survey conducted by the Association of Leasehold Enfranchisement Practitioners (ALEP), 94% of members believed the Act would have benefited from more thorough parliamentary scrutiny. ALEP chair Mark Chick stated: “The Act represents real progress, but without clarity from secondary legislation, the sector is left in limbo.” (Property Industry Eye, 31 May 2024)
Political Responses
Politically, leasehold reform has become a cross-party issue. The Conservative government, which introduced the Act, has said it is committed to “bringing an end to the historic injustice of the leasehold system” (Department for Levelling Up, 2024). However, critics argue that the legislation was pushed through Parliament too quickly, leaving practical gaps.
The Labour Party has gone further, pledging to abolish leasehold entirely and implement the Law Commission’s full recommendations. Labour’s Shadow Housing Secretary, Matthew Pennycook, said in March 2025: “Leasehold is a feudal system that has no place in modern homeownership. We will replace it with commonhold as the default.” (Labour Party press release, March 2025)
The Liberal Democrats and Green Party have also voiced support for abolishing leasehold and transitioning to commonhold, calling the reforms a “first step” but demanding stronger protections for current leaseholders.
What This Means for Homeowners
At their heart, the current leasehold reform initiatives signal a broader shift in how homeownership is understood and protected in England and Wales. These reforms are about more than just changing the law—they represent a growing recognition that homeowners deserve greater control, security, and fairness in how they live and manage their homes.
For many years, leasehold arrangements have left homeowners feeling like tenants in their own properties—facing unfair charges, limited rights, and distant decision-making. The reforms aim to redress this imbalance by giving homeowners more of a voice, more autonomy over their homes, and more clarity about their obligations and rights.
Looking ahead, the move towards commonhold points to a future where homeownership is simpler and more transparent—where people truly own their properties, without unnecessary intermediaries or hidden costs. It reflects a broader principle: that housing should be a foundation for stability and empowerment, not a source of confusion or financial strain.
For homeowners, these changes mean a stronger position, greater peace of mind, and a more straightforward path to securing and enjoying their homes. It’s an important moment to understand how these shifts might affect your property journey—and to take advantage of the opportunities they bring.
What’s Coming Next
You may want to read: Leasehold Reform Latest Updates 2025
While the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act is now law, many of its provisions are not yet in force and require secondary legislation to become effective. The government has indicated that approximately 25 to 30 pieces of secondary legislation are necessary to fully implement the Act’s measures.
In January 2025, certain freeholders were granted permission to challenge aspects of the Act through a Judicial Review. The hearing is scheduled before the end of July 2025, and its outcome could influence the implementation of some reforms.
The Commonhold Reform Bill is expected to progress in stages, starting with the publication of a draft bill and consultations in the second half of 2025. This will allow for feedback from stakeholders such as homeowners, developers, and lenders. The final version of the bill is likely to be introduced to Parliament in 2026, with the aim of passing the legislation before the end of the current parliamentary term (expected by 2029).
How can Starck Uberoi help you?
At Starck Uberoi Solicitors, we are specialist leasehold solicitors and accredited members of ALEP. We offer a full range of leasehold advice services including leasehold conveyancing, lease extensions (you may want to try our lease extension calculator), collective enfranchisement and leasehold enfranchisement.
Our Offices
Although we offer a completely remote service via telephone and online tools clients are always welcome to visit our offices.
Our Brentford Solicitors, are located on the High Street in a grand three-story building, just a short distance from Brentford County Court. Our Belgravia solicitors are located Just a 5 minute walk from Victoria tube station in Grosvenor Gardens. Our Ealing solicitors are only a short walk from both Ealing Broadway and South Ealing and our Richmond Solicitors have the pleasure of overlooking the picturesque Richmond Green. Finally our Solicitors in Canterbury are located in the within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Canterbury Cathedral.
Our partner, Raminder Uberoi, can also offer a Notary Public Service at any of our London offices.
