Skip to main content

Want to take over the management of your building?

Our E-Learning platform has modules for leaseholders looking to manage their own building using a RTM company.

Find out more here

Welsh Government – Written Statement: Next steps on leasehold reform

18th March 2021

On 17th March 2021, the Welsh Housing Minister, Julie James MS, published a written statement on the Welsh Government’s research into the sale and use of leasehold in Wales, and the experience of those who live in leasehold properties.

The Housing Minister commissioned the research to improve the Government’s understanding of the operation of leasehold, and to inform their leasehold reform agenda. The research highlighted a number of key findings, including:

The new research complements the other evidence the Welsh Housing Minister has been considering, including the report of the Task and Finish group on leasehold reform, that LEASE supported through membership of the group; the reports of the Law Commission projects on enfranchisement, right to manage, and commonhold; personal and elected member representations via correspondence, Senedd debates and questions; along with other relevant activity including the Competition and Markets Authority’s ongoing investigation into leasehold sales practices.

The Law Commission’s report contains measures to improve the current leasehold system by limiting the restrains on leaseholders to buy or extend their lease. The reports also include recommendations to improve the Commonhold system as an alternative to leasehold ownership. The Welsh Government fully supports the Law Commission’s recommendations; however, it acknowledges that  these reforms  will require significant primary legislation. This will need full support from the future Senedd following the elections to be held in May 2021.

In addition to setting out the findings of the research, the Housing Minister also set out intentions to reform the leasehold sector, including:

For more information you can read the full report on the Welsh Governments research into the sale and use of leaseholds in Wales here.

 

LEASE is governed by a board, appointed as individuals by the Secretary of State for the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government.