Contractual disputes

The Court of Appeal (Civil Division) Guide 2025 has been updated

The biggest change involves the addition of three new chapters on consent orders, McKenzie Friends and out‑of‑hours applications.

MHCLG launches consultation on freehold estate homeowner protections

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has launched a consultation on proposals to reduce the prevalence of privately managed housing estates in England, where amenities such as roads, green spaces and drainage systems are not adopted by public authorities. The consultation sets out measures to increase the adoption of estate amenities on new developments, introduce common standards for adoptable infrastructure, consider mandatory adoption for certain public assets, remove financial incentives that encourage developers to avoid adoption, and improve transparency and data on estate management arrangements. It also seeks evidence on the impacts of these proposals on homeowners, developers, local authorities and management companies. The consultation closes on 12 March 2026.

DSIT publishes consultation outcome on PSTI 2022 Renewals Provisions

The Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT) has published its outcome to its consultation on draft regulations for sections 61–64 of the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022 (PSTI 2022). The consultation addressed saving and transitional provisions for existing tenancies affected by the Renewals Provisions, which change the market valuation framework to align with the Electronic Communications Code’s ‘no network’ valuation model. DSIT has decided to introduce a lead-in period between making and commencement of the regulations, bringing sections 61 to 64 into force on 7 April 2026. This is intended to allow stakeholders time to familiarise themselves with the changes, provide certainty for negotiations already under way and support alignment with section 65 of PSTI 2022, which will enable affected disputes in England and Wales to be dealt with by the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).

UK Parliament announces introduction of Leases (Integrated Retirement Communities) Bill

The UK Parliament has announced the introduction of the Leases (Integrated Retirement Communities) Bill in the House of Commons, aiming to create a statutory framework for occupancy leases, fees and operator regulation in integrated retirement communities. The Bill seeks to clarify lease terms, ensure fee transparency and strengthen oversight of operators to protect residents. It had its first reading on 17 December 2025 and is scheduled for second reading on 16 January 2026.