James Brokenshire

Government to scrap leasehold for all new-build houses



All new-build houses will be sold as freehold to stop future homeowners from being trapped in exploitative arrangements and tackle unfair leasehold practices.


James Brokenshire, secretary of state for housing, communities and local government (pictured above), has confirmed plans to abolish the selling of new houses as leasehold properties.

The government will also reduce ground rents for new leases to zero.

In addition, he announced plans to remove bureaucracy from the planning system in the new accelerated planning green paper, which will be published later this year.

“We have long recognised that we have a responsibility to confront unfairness in the leasehold market,” said Brokenshire.

“Last year, we consulted on proposals including the leasehold house ban and ground rent reduction.

“I can confirm we will go ahead with our original plan to reduce ground rents on future leases to zero, as opposed to a cap of £10 per year.

“And we will legislate to ensure that in the future — save for the most exceptional circumstances — all new houses will be sold on a freehold basis.

“We are committed to taking bold action to reform the sector and will be pressing ahead as soon as parliamentary time allows — helping us deliver our promise to make the home buying and selling process quicker, cheaper and easier.”



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