Leasehold homeowners have received a boost of optimism after the High Court ruled in their favour last week, paving the way for long-awaited Government reforms.
The ruling saw the court reject a major legal challenge filed by prominent freeholders against the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024.
The freeholders, which included figures such as the Duke of Westminster and the Earl of Cadogan, argued that the reforms — designed to make it more affordable for Britain’s 4.5 million leaseholders to extend leases or buy their freeholds — violated their human rights.
Campaigner and Free Leaseholders founder Harry Scoffin praised the decision, calling the freeholders’ legal challenge “an affront to democracy.”
Leasehold homeowners across the UK have received a welcome boost as a recent High Court ruling brought the Government’s long-awaited reforms a step closer to becoming reality. The decision marks a significant moment for millions of leaseholders who have long faced costly and restrictive lease terms.
Last week, the High Court dismissed a major legal challenge filed by some of the country’s most influential freeholders against the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024. This ruling is being viewed as a major victory for those campaigning to make leasehold ownership fairer and more affordable.
The case, which was heard in July, centred around a claim from six major freeholders, including the Duke of Westminster and the Earl of Cadogan. They argued that the Government’s proposed reforms—designed to make it cheaper and easier for around 4.5 million leaseholders in Britain to extend their leases or buy their freeholds—would infringe upon their human rights.
However, the court’s decision to dismiss the challenge has paved the way for these long-anticipated reforms to move forward. Many see this as a key moment in addressing the power imbalance between freeholders and leaseholders that has existed for decades.
Leasehold campaigners have expressed strong support for the court’s ruling. Among them, Harry Scoffin, founder of Free Leaseholders, praised the outcome and described the freeholders’ challenge as an “affront to democracy.” His statement reflects the growing frustration among leaseholders who have felt trapped by high fees and complicated lease terms.
The ruling has renewed optimism that the Government’s proposed changes—intended to make leasehold ownership fairer and more transparent—could finally come into effect. These reforms are expected to significantly reduce costs for homeowners seeking to extend their leases or buy out their freeholds, offering greater control and financial relief to millions of people.
For years, leasehold reform has been a contentious issue in the UK housing market, with campaigners arguing that the current system unfairly benefits freeholders. The High Court’s decision is now being seen as a clear message that the balance of power must shift in favour of homeowners.
While the legal battle may not be entirely over, this ruling represents a crucial step towards a fairer housing system. Many now hope that the Government will move swiftly to implement the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act, ensuring leaseholders across the country can finally benefit from a system that prioritises their rights and affordability.
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