Nearly two-thirds of landlords (64%) did not believe the Government would deliver leasehold reform by the end of this parliament, research from Landbay found.
In March, the Government said it would ban the sale of new leasehold homes and described this as the end of a “feudal system”.
Landbay asked landlords if they thought this was achievable, and only 36% said yes.
Under the current system, freeholders own the building and leaseholders buy the right to occupy a flat for a set period.
The Government said it wanted to move to commonhold, where homeowners own a share of and control their buildings.
A white paper in March said the sale of new leasehold flats would be banned and commonhold would get a new legal framework.
Rob Stanton, sales and distribution director at Landbay, said: “The government’s ambition to abolish leasehold and transition to commonhold is a bold step towards modernising property ownership in the UK.
“But our research suggests there is a lot of scepticism out there among landlords, with nearly two-thirds doubting it can be achieved by the end of this parliament.
“While the intent to reform a system often seen as outdated is welcome, delivering such sweeping changes requires robust implementation.
“With the political demise of Angela Rayner, the abolishing of leasehold tenure is beginning to look less certain.”
Research also showed that landlords in the North were less negative, with 55% saying they thought the goal was unachievable.
In Wales, 75% said they did not think the reforms would happen.
Individual landlords were less likely to say the Government’s goal was unachievable (58%) compared to those using limited company structures (65%).
When asked what they disliked most about leasehold tenure, 53% said service charges.
14% said poor infrastructure and neglect and the same percentage said difficulty remortgaging.
7% said the cost of ground rent, while 11% said they had no complaints.
Stanton added: “Our research highlights the deep concerns over the leasehold system, with expensive service charges being landlords’ primary grievance, alongside issues like neglect and remortgaging challenges.
“The government’s push for commonhold is a step in the right direction. But the lack of confidence among landlords, particularly in Wales and among those making use of Ltd company structures, highlights the need for a clear, practical roadmap.
“Without robust policy execution, the transition risks stalling, leaving landlords and leaseholders in limbo.”
