Morning, Tuesday, 17th June 2025
Online
This conference will explore next steps for leasehold and commonhold reform in England and Wales, focusing on priorities for the forthcoming draft Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill expected later this year, the transition to commonhold as the default tenure for new flats, and implications of recent regulatory and legal developments.
It will bring key stakeholders and policymakers together to discuss implementation of the Government’s proposals as set out in the Commonhold White Paper, and to examine the wider policy framework following the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024.
Implementation priorities and the evolving legal landscape
Attendees will consider implications of ongoing consultations on key aspects of leasehold reform. Areas for discussion include proposed changes to enfranchisement costs, including the removal of marriage value and the standardisation of valuation methods. We expect discussion on concerns raised by stakeholders regarding building insurance, particularly around a lack of transparency and disproportionately high premiums for leaseholders. Ground rent regulation will also be considered, especially in relation to protections for existing leaseholders and whether any future cap or abolition would apply retrospectively.
Improving transparency and managing transition to commonhold
Further discussion is expected on wider options for delivering a more transparent and equitable approach to leaseholder costs and property management. Practical steps for enabling the adoption of commonhold in new and existing buildings will be discussed, alongside the future design of reserve fund requirements, and the treatment of mixed-use buildings. There will also be a focus on managing lender confidence, considering implications for mortgage availability and how the legal framework might evolve to support financing in a reformed tenure system.
Balancing interests and shaping regulatory infrastructure
Delegates will examine what will be needed to ensure a functioning legal and regulatory infrastructure, as well as balancing the interests of leaseholders, freeholders, developers, and managing agents - particularly in light of planned secondary legislation and ongoing legal challenges.
Strategic direction and long-term implications for housing markets
We also expect discussion on longer-term strategic issues, including options for simplifying conversion pathways from leasehold to commonhold, supporting consumer and professional awareness of the commonhold model, and addressing the affordability and marketability of properties affected by high service charges. Additional areas of focus include the potential emergence of a two-tier housing market, the viability of self-management in commonhold associations, and the broader societal and market impact of a shift away from leasehold tenure.
All delegates will be able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices, and more widely. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates.
