King Charles will deliver the King’s Speech on Wednesday, outlining the government’s legislative programme for the coming Parliamentary session. The address is expected to include housing policy measures, with two property-related bills anticipated according to early briefings reported by the BBC.
The speech follows recent changes to rental legislation and comes at a politically sensitive time for Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government, which is seeking to rebuild momentum after challenging election results.
Leasehold reform proposals
The Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill, already progressing through Parliament, is expected to feature in the speech. The bill proposes expanding leaseholders’ rights to extend leases and purchase freeholds in England and Wales. Ground rents would be capped at £250 per year under the legislation, transitioning to peppercorn rent after 40 years, according to draft legislation published earlier this year.
Building safety measures
The Building Safety Remediation Bill is also anticipated in the speech. The bill aims to strengthen building safety standards following the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire and would implement additional measures from the government’s existing remediation policy framework.
The King’s Speech will also address planned legislation across crime, transport, health and environmental policy, while indicating areas where no immediate action is expected. The property sector will be monitoring the full speech for further detail on housing, planning and related measures.
The final content of the speech will only be confirmed on the day of delivery. The announcements come as UK house prices show signs of softening, adding context to the government’s housing policy priorities.
