Long Leases (Scotland) Bill

# Long Leases (Scotland) Bill The Long Leases (Scotland) Bill addresses fundamental problems in Scotland's property law affecting thousands of leaseholders. Unlike much of the rest of the UK, Scotland has maintained a system where residential properties are frequently held on long leases rather than being owned outright. This creates significant difficulties for leaseholders, who face escalating costs, restrictions on property rights, and practical barriers when selling their homes. The bill seeks to reform this outdated system by enabling leaseholders to acquire ownership of their properties more easily and affordably, thereby modernising Scotland's property tenure and protecting residential security. The bill introduces several key mechanisms to facilitate this transformation. It lowers the barriers to purchasing the freehold or converting to ownership, reducing both the financial costs involved and the legal requirements leaseholders must meet. The legislation also imposes greater transparency and regulation on factors charging (the service charges levied on leaseholders), prevents unreasonable rent increases, and strengthens leaseholders' rights in disputes with property owners. These measures collectively shift the balance of power away from freeholders and factors towards residents, making homeownership more accessible and sustainable across Scotland. The bill represents one of the Scottish Parliament's most significant property law reforms in recent decades, with broad cross-party support reflecting recognition of the need for substantial change to protect residential leaseholders.

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