Leasehold reform

Matthew Pennycook has signed regulations to 'remove the two-year ownership rule for leaseholders of flats to extend their lease, and leaseholders of houses to extend their lease or buy their freehold.

Angela Rayner renews pledge to bring forward leasehold reforms and promote commonhold tenure.

Lawyers & leasehold specialists weigh-in on a big update on leasehold reform - including that the 'two-year rule' for leasehold extensions ends in January.

The 'two-year rule' will end in January, but the announcement of more consultations mean major changes to the leasehold system are still some way off.

Rushed-through Act is 'far from perfect, but it is the start of reform to outdated legislation that was not fit for purpose,' says Propertymark.

The Housing Ministry is said to be facing 'fierce resistance from the Treasury' over a proposal to set ground rents at peppercorn rates.

New laws promising 'significant new rights and protections' for leaseholders could be in play before the next General Election.

Leasehold reform proposals 'come with large unforeseen consequences regarding affordability and pricing within the leasehold market,' warns Knight Frank.

Michael Gove wants opinions on how best to change the ground rent system 'so leaseholders are not exploited any longer and can take back control of their own destiny.'

Michael Gove's new Leasehold Bill could mean all new houses must be sold as freeholds.

Michael Gove said earlier this year that the 'feudal' leasehold system 'needs to go' - but a complete overhaul now looks unlikely.

Housing secretary Michael Gove is bringing forward plans to reform England's "outdated" leasehold system. Michael Gove said leasehold is 'just an unfair form of property ownership'