Propertymark, the professional body for property agents, broadly welcomed the leasehold proposals while urging swift implementation.
“We welcome the UK government’s continued focus on leasehold reform as we support action to address longstanding issues within the leasehold system, including excessive ground rents, unfair charges and greater transparency for consumers,” said Timothy Douglas (pictured right), head of policy and campaigns at Propertymark. “We now need to see these reforms progress at pace, with clear timelines and delivery, to provide certainty and confidence for consumers and the wider housing sector.
“We acknowledge the government’s ambition to make commonhold the default tenure for new flats and to strengthen leaseholder rights. However, reform must be carefully phased to avoid market disruption and ensure existing leaseholders, property agents, and developers can transition effectively to any new system.”
Douglas also addressed the cladding remediation measures and the broader economic context for housing. “It is positive to see plans to accelerate remediation works and strengthen accountability for unsafe buildings,” he said. “Leaseholders and residents have faced unacceptable delays and uncertainty for too long.
“The UK government must ensure remediation funding, enforcement powers and clear legal responsibilities are implemented quickly so that affected residents are protected, and confidence can return to the housing market.”
