As we head into the conference season, with the provisions of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 still unimplemented as regards the valuation side of enfranchisement, it is interesting to take a look at what the parties have been saying about leasehold.
The Labour party Conference will no doubt also see some further discussion on leasehold and we may hear more about plans to implement the Law Commission’s reforms.
Last week we had the Liberal Democrat Party Conference at which members passed new policies as part of a plan for ‘bold reforms to protect homeowners’.
Among the Party’s new policies are a commitment to establish a new property regulator to license and enforce standards for property managers and agents, and to cap unreasonable service and estate management charges and abolish ground rents on all existing leases.
The proposals also included measures to improve access to building repairs for leaseholders, increase the accountability of building inspectors, and prevent developers from signing off on substandard or unsafe properties.
The Lib Dems also reconfirmed their commitment to give leaseholders the power to take collective ownership of management companies and common areas.
In what could be interpreted as a swipe at both the current Labour and the former Conservative Governments, the party concluded that: “The time for empty promises is over. Leasehold leaves people vulnerable, trapped by unfair charges, and unsafe in their homes.
“The Liberal Democrats are committed to abolishing leasehold entirely, capping ground rents and ensuring dangerous cladding is removed without cost to residents.”
This commitment is not new and reiterates what was included in the Liberal Democrat’s manifesto for the 2024 General Election. What could be conceived as new is the growing emphasis on speed of reform, tapping into a growing chorus of leaseholders claiming that the Government is not moving fast enough.
Leaseholders will be hoping that the Government takes the opportunity afforded at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool to provide more detail and updates about the overall timetable for implementing the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act.
If you have a query concerning leasehold property, then please contact the experts at Bishop & Sewell’s Landlord & Tenant team by emailing leasehold@
The above is accurate as at 29 September 2025. The information above may be subject to change. The content of this note should not be considered legal advice and each matter should be considered on a case-by-case basis
