Consultation On Implementing Reforms Of The Residential Leasehold System In England

On 15 October 2018, the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) published a consultation.

It is to seek views on proposed reforms to the residential leasehold system in England.

The consultation is looking for views on the implementation of four proposals to:

• Ban the sale of new leasehold houses. This will be subject to some exceptions, such as shared ownership housing and community-led housing.
• Restrict the amount of ground rent that may be reserved in new leases. The government proposes a ground rent cap of £10 for new long residential leases, subject to certain exemptions.
• Introduce statutory protections for freeholders that contribute towards the maintenance of communal areas.
• Introduce measures to improve the leasehold sales. These will include an obligation on managing agents and landlords to respond to enquiries within a certain period, and a cap on the fee they may charge for their replies.

The consultation will be of interest to anyone who deals with residential sales and purchases, especially newly built properties.

The consultation closes on 26 November 2018.

If you require any further advice contact our Specialist Team