The leaseholder will pay a ground rent which was historically less than £250 per annum or a peppercorn rent.
This has led to some homeowners being unable to move and saddled with hefty rent to pay and an unmortgageable home.
Leaseholders will be able to extend their leasehold title to 990 years and not have to pay any ground rent thereafter.
The leasehold reform will only affect England and Wales, as property in Scotland is owned on a freehold basis and in Northern Ireland ground rent is redeemable.
For investors, owning the freehold may help boost rental yields, and it is part of the reason why Scottish investment property in cities such as Edinburgh is so coveted.
Located within Edinburgh's New Town, it is within walking distance of Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station, Edinburgh's financial centre and Edinburgh Castle.