A survey of 2,362 leaseholders has exposed the psychological toll of England and Wales's leasehold system. According to research by the National Leasehold Campaign (NLC) and mental health charity Silence of Suicide, 41% of respondents reported suicidal ideation (Mortgage Strategy, 24 March 2026). The findings have intensified pressure on the government to accelerate leasehold reform. The Housing, Communities and Local Government (HCLG) Committee is now inviting evidence from affected leaseholders ahead of parliamentary scrutiny.

The Scale of Mental Health Impact

The numbers are stark. Among 2,362 respondents, 968 reported suicidal ideation and 4.4% attempted suicide (Mortgage Strategy, 24 March 2026). A further 48% experienced severe relationship breakdowns attributed to leasehold disputes, and 89% think about their leasehold situation every day (Mortgage Strategy, 24 March 2026).

Jo Darbyshire, NLC co-founder, stated: "The findings are bleak, but sadly not surprising" (Mortgage Strategy, 24 March 2026).

The crisis stems from structural pressures on leaseholders. These include escalating ground rent (an annual charge paid to the freeholder - the entity that owns the land), costly lease extensions, and the legal complexity of buying the freehold. Many leaseholders describe feeling trapped by obligations they cannot escape without selling at a loss. Note that survey participants were recruited through NLC and SOS channels, meaning respondents likely skew towards those already experiencing difficulty.

The Government's Proposed Solution

On 27 January 2026, the government published the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill (Lease Advice, 24 March 2026). The Bill applies to England and Wales and proposes three key changes:

- Ground rent capped at £250 per annum

- A ban on new leasehold flats

- Commonhold (outright ownership of a flat plus a share of common areas, rather than a time-limited lease) as the default tenure for new builds

These measures represent the most significant leasehold reform in decades. But the Bill remains at draft stage. The HCLG Committee is conducting pre-legislative scrutiny - a process where parliament reviews proposed legislation before it is formally introduced as a Bill (Lease Advice, 24 March 2026). No royal assent date has been confirmed.

In practice, this means current leasehold law remains unchanged. Ground rent obligations continue as per existing lease terms. Lease extension rights under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 remain in force.

What You Need to Do Before 31 March

The deadline you need to know is 31 March 2026. That is when the HCLG Committee's survey for affected leaseholders closes (Lease Advice, 24 March 2026). You may wish to submit evidence before that date. Responses feed directly into parliamentary scrutiny and can influence the Bill's final form.

If you own a leasehold property in England or Wales, consider documenting your experience with ground rent escalation, lease extension costs, or contractual disputes. The Committee specifically seeks input from those affected by the proposed reforms.

Until the Bill takes effect - and the timeline for that remains TBC - your current leasehold obligations do not change. However, the proposed £250 ground rent cap could materially reduce your financial exposure if it passes unchanged. The window to shape that outcome closes on 31 March.