Finally, the ending of ‘fleecehold’ is in sight
There is an urgent need to protect freeholders and leaseholders against ‘fleeceholder’ fees.
The Government has finally opened its consultation on ‘enhanced protections for homeowners on freehold estates’ which closes on 12 March 2026. You can take part in it here.
The last Government passed the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act which just needed some simple secondary legislation to put it into practice - but this Government kept dragging its feet – and has now launched this consultation.
I am deeply unhappy about the length of time it is taking for this Government to move forward with this, and I will keep pressing them to get on with it as quickly as possible.
You can see my most recent letter to the Housing Minister below.
The draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill
The Government has also published the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill. This Bill aims to end the sale of new leasehold flats and replace them with the commonhold system. It will also enable existing leaseholders to convert to commonhold if they wish to.
Additionally, the Bill aims to cap Ground Rent Controls at £250 cutting them to a peppercorn rent after 40 years so nothing is paid. There is more information about the Bill here.
