Leaseholders across the country say they are feeling increasingly disillusioned after the Government failed to introduce long-promised leasehold reform legislation before the end of the year.
Many had expected progress to be made before Parliament rose for the winter recess, following repeated assurances that reforms were moving forward.
Instead, ministers confirmed that proposed legislation has been delayed, citing “unforeseen pressures” within the parliamentary timetable as the reason for the setback.
The Government has said that new laws will be brought forward early in the new year, but campaigners argue that this offers little reassurance to leaseholders who have already waited years for change.
The National Leasehold Campaign (NLC) said the delay has left thousands of leaseholders feeling abandoned, with growing anger and frustration across the sector.
In a statement, the group warned that prolonged uncertainty is taking a serious toll on leaseholders’ mental wellbeing, particularly for those dealing with rising costs, restrictive lease terms and limited options to move on.
The NLC also criticised the timing of the announcement, saying that confirming the delay on the final day of the parliamentary session added to feelings of distress and disregard.
Campaigners say many leaseholders feel stuck, unable to sell their homes, remortgage or plan for the future while reform remains on hold.
The group has urged the Government to take firmer control of the reform agenda and deliver on commitments that have been repeatedly promised over successive years.
It has called for a draft bill to be published as soon as Parliament returns, arguing that only concrete legislation will restore confidence among leaseholders.
The NLC also stressed that any reforms must clearly serve leaseholders’ interests, rather than protecting investors who, it says, benefit financially from the current system.
Further criticism was directed at the Government’s handling of a High Court Judicial Review decision in October 2025, which campaigners believe should have led to immediate progress on implementing the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024.
Despite earlier comments from ministers suggesting action would follow once legal clarity was achieved, leaseholders say they are still waiting for tangible outcomes.
This lack of movement has fuelled concerns that lobbying from investor groups may be slowing or shaping the pace of reform behind the scenes.
The campaign also argued that broader housing messages, such as commitments to increase housebuilding, offer little comfort to leaseholders whose lives remain on hold.
Many continue to face financial strain, with some at risk of forfeiture or bankruptcy while reforms remain stalled.
As the new year approaches, the NLC said the Government stands at a critical point in delivering its leasehold reform promises.
With more than 34,000 members, the group said it is prepared either to welcome meaningful progress or to mobilise further action if change fails to materialise once again.
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