HomeOwners Alliance comment on leasehold reform and better protection for those buying new homes

Paula Higgins, Chief Executive of HomeOwners Alliance (HOA), comments on leasehold reform and better protection for those buying new homes.

“We welcome the government’s raft of measures announced on leasehold reform and better protection for those buying new homes.

“They have stood up to industry by saying that all future ground rents must be zero and there are no exemptions. This move will not only put a stop to one-way unscrupulous freeholders can make money out of leaseholders, but it will make extending leaseholds and buying the freehold less complicated.

“The leasehold system is incredibly complex, which has allowed some developers, freeholders and managing agents to abuse it.  As we called in our Homes Held Hostage report, we would like the leasehold system to be abolished over time.

“A survey out today by the National Leasehold Campaign found that  72% of those who have encountered leasehold problems are very anxious and worried for the future. So we must recognise that these measures will do little to help existing leaseholders living a nightmare with their mental well-being badly affected.

New Homes Ombudsman

Paula Higgins says:

“We have been eagerly been waiting for further details from Government on the New Homes Ombudsman and support their move to act in advance of legislation to set up a voluntary scheme that all developers will be required to join it if they want access to the next Help to Buy round.

“Builders ought to build right first time but for too long there has been a lack of consumer protection and redress for people who buy new homes and find them riddled with snags and faults. Levels of complaints are going up and we hear first-hand on a regular basis from our members the heartache it causes when things do not go to plan. Let’s hope the political changes that will occur will not result in the government changing tack.”

Kindly shared by HomeOwners Alliance (HOA)