Worried Parent

mta999

It's only me but I would not buy this kind of house - they are not called fleecehold (Google it) for nothing.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-68673216.amp

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/stronger-protections-for-homeowners-on-fleecehold-estates

eddddy

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81861464#Comment_81861464

Buying the freehold (by statutory enfranchisement) with the current law might cost £6k to £7k - plus professional feels, which might be an extra £3k to £5k.

(So I guess you could argue that the leasehold house should cost about £10k less than an equivalent freehold house.)

With the proposed changes in the law, the fees should be less - it's less clear about the cost of the freehold itself.

As for how straightforward the process of buying the freehold would be… In simple terms, typically you instruct a solicitor and valuer, and leave them to get on with it. Then pay the money when it's time for completion.

RelievedSheff

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81861694#Comment_81861694

The local authorities do still adopt the highways and footpaths on most modern estates. This is a common misconception about estate management charges.

The estate charges cover the maintenance of green spaces, parks and public open spaces that the local authorities very rarely adopt now due to ongoing maintenance costs.

PixelPound

I wouldn't rely on the prospect of new legislation as most likely it could be dropped ahead of general election being called. Even if a ground rent cap was introduced, it doesn't mean that service charge won't go up instead.

Whilst normally known for flats, a lot of new build houses in 2010's were done like this. Personally I would avoid if possible, especially if there is no price differential. Of course for any particular case it would depend on the contract and what the limitations and implications were.

The question is, if you are having doubts buying, the same might be for other buyers when your daughter comes to sell.

caylus

Many thanks again for all the replies. At the moment she's trying to ascertain exactly what is included within the maintenance fees and wether or not any of the roads have been adopted by the council. She only has the figure for this current year so again needs to check what the vendor has paid in the past. Read so much on this particular subject over the last few days and as is normal a massive range of opinions. It's the fact there doesn't seem to be a ceiling on what could be charged in any worst case scenario that's causing most concern.

DjangoUnchained

wouldnt touch leasehold with a bargepole. it used to be ok, had a couple in the 80s, but then freeholders decided to get greedy , seen too many recent cases of exorbitant charges and clauses.

Tabieth

When I was house hunting I wouldn’t even consider any leasehold houses. I wouldn’t even view one. I’m not alone in that regard. So that’s for her to consider, limiting future potential buyers.

user1977

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81863698#Comment_81863698

No, but being pragmatic about it, if the charges only relate to e.g. the gardening of the landscaped bits of the estate, the costs are hardly likely to soar to ridiculous levels. Unless you are concerned about them buying a diamond-encrusted lawnmower every year…

SarahB16

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81864028#Comment_81864028

I am the same never a leasehold house.

I would consider freehold houses with management charges but I would still want to know what the responsibility is for the homeowners.

dinosaur66

look to see if any covenants on these type of estates

i looked at one that had a rule that no vans were allowed to be left outside the property overnight

other that say you cannot run an ebay shop from the property or any business whatsoever

that you need to ask freeholder permission when you want to change something inside or outside your property

ie front door/windows/

internal layout

say maximum limit of 1 dog per house and loads of other stupid rules

people should be able to do what they want when they want in there own house when it comes to everyday lifestyle and living