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ARTICLE · 30 JANUARY 2026

Government Sets Out Major Reforms To Leasehold And Commonhold: Key Changes Explained

Gowling WLG
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On 27 January 2026, the Government published the Draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill alongside supporting papers, setting out a package to modernise property ownership

United KingdomReal Estate and Construction
Clive Chalkley
Clive Chalkley
Melanie Danford
Melanie Danford
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On 27 January 2026, the Government published the Draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill alongside supporting papers, setting out a package to modernise property ownership, reinvigorate commonhold and curtail controversial leasehold practices in England and Wales. The publication confirms a consultation on banning new leasehold flats and provides further detail on protections for existing leaseholders. Stakeholders across residential, commercial and mixed-use sectors should assess implications for ownership structures, funding models, pipeline schemes and transaction risk allocation.

Key announcements at a glance

The draft Bill, published for pre‑legislative scrutiny before being formally introduced into Parliament as a Bill, would:

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