Leasehold changes?

sammysolent1

Hi All, 
Bit confused and looking for some input so I am in the right direction.
I have seen online there are some changes to the leasehold laws. I own my apartment I have 2 charges that I pay. I have a lease with around 138 years remaining of a 150 year lease.
- Am I able to buy my lease and if I buy my lease do still pay the below charges?  I would much prefer to be on a freehold. 
1- Annual ground rent which is £138 per year (due in 2 weeks)
2- Monthly service charges - £799 every 6 months, which also is due in the next week (for Jun - Dec 2020)
Do these new laws apply to anything that I am about to pay, I would love to not have to pay the service charges, the management company that looks after our building doesn't use any of the money to maintain the internal or external communal areas which is very frustrating. 
Thanks

davidmcn

There are no new laws. There has been a government announcement that at some point in the future they will try to introduce some. 

anselld

Regarding the service charges, they are accountable, ie the management company must provide details of what they spend it on if you request it.   If you think they are just trousering the money you can challenge the charges at the First Tier Tribunal.

Ultimately someone needs to maintain the building so whatever changes the Gov introduce, or even if the residents take advantage of the current rules on enfranchisement, there will be bills to pay.

AdrianC

You cannot just buy the freehold of your flat.
With the other leaseholders in your block, you may be able to jointly buy the freehold, probably by forming a company. You will need 50% of flats to agree, both if there's only two.
Whether you reduce the ground rent to peppercorn and extend everybody's leases is then a decision for the shareholders of the freehold company. But you will need some income to run the company...

The service charges are what is spent on maintaining the common areas of the building. Remember that includes things like electricity for the lights, and it also includes the fabric of the building, as well as their costs for running the management.That will still need to be spent. You may be able to do it cheaper once you own the freehold, but you will still need some income to do the maintenance.