Draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill: The End of Leasehold as We Know It?

The Government launched its latest leasehold reform via social media, but behind the headlines, the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill could cause serious ripples across the property market.In this episode, we explore what happens when ground rent income disappears, why commonhold has struggled for 20 years, and whether calling it something other than “common” might have helped. More importantly, we ask: can commonhold function at scale in complex urban developments?Richard and Lizzie explore:• Why leasehold became the dominant structure for flats and the historic legal problem behind it.• Why commonhold failed to gain traction after its introduction in 2004 by the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002..• What the Draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill would change in practice, including restrictions on creating new long leasehold flats.• The practical governance and liability risks for commonhold associations, particularly in higher-risk buildings.• Whether commonhold can realistically function at scale in complex urban and mixed-use developments.• What developers, investors and affordable housing providers should be considering now.If you work in development, investment, or affordable housing, commonhold is not something you can afford to ignore.Other cases mentioned: Unpacking the Enforceability of Restrictive CovenantsAusterberry v Corporation of Oldham (1885)Spencer's Case [1583]Get in touch! Training & Free Webinars for Property Professionals:Would you like to keep up to date with the latest in real estate law? Davitt Jones Bould offers legal training tailored to your organisation’s needs, delivered in person across the UK or remotely. We also run free monthly webinars through for surveyors, solicitors, and property professionals across sectors. To sign up or learn more, visit our events page here or email [email protected] for information and booking.  This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal or professional advice. No liability is accepted by Davitt Jones Bould for any reliance placed on its content. Get in touch!