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Could 2017 be the year of leasehold change?
This article is an external press release originally published on the Landlord News website, which has now been migrated to the Just Landlords blog.
The Conveyancing Association has moved to outlined its position on focusing its efforts to reform the leasehold process. It has suggested that 2017 should be the year when substantial change is delivered.
For a number of years, the Conveyancing Association has been campaigning for leasehold reform and has worked with industry stakeholders in order to deliver change.
Encouragement
The CA was very encouraged by the debate that took place in the House of Commons last year on leasehold and commercial issues. Housing Minister Gavin Barwell said he was not comfortable with the present situation surrounding fees, delays, high rents and lack of information for clients.
Mr Barwell cited a recent survey that suggested 57% of those questioned said they regretted buying a leasehold property. As such, he said the Government would be forwarding plans to root out abuse of leasehold properties during 2017.
In addition, The CA continues to obtain documentary evidence and research to share with the Government and other stakeholders on the leasehold problem.
Could 2017 be the year of leasehold change?
Pivotal
Beth Rudolf, Director of Delivery at the Conveyancing Association, observed: ‘One can’t help but feel that last year’s debate at the House of Commons represented a pivotal moment for securing real change in the leasehold process.’[1]
‘Following up on the fantastic work of the All Party Parliamentary Group, the debate highlighted many of the problems and issues we have been campaigning about for some time, and there was an assurance from Gavin Barwell that the Government would be putting plans in place to deal with these abuses. Much of the focus has been on escalating ground rents on new-build properties and whilst an important issue to confront, we will be seeking to ensure that all other leasehold problems such as the unreasonable fees routinely charged by some lease administrators, and the delays inherent within the process, are also addressed,’ she continued.[1]
Concluding, Rudolf said: ‘2017 can be the year for true leasehold change and the progress that we have all made in the last 12 months should now be translated into action and delivery. We will continue to focus heavily in this area and, with the support of our members and others, will be looking to support all moves for the changes that are required.’[1]
[1] http://www.propertyreporter.co.uk/finance/is-2017-the-year-for-%E2%80%98leasehold-change%E2%80%99.html
