Government launches consultation on fairer system for leaseholders

The Association of Leasehold Enfranchisement Practitioners (ALEP) is encouraging its members, homeowners and the housing industry to give their views on proposals from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, to allow more leaseholders in mixed-use buildings to take control and ownership of their building.

The Government has launched a consultation today that seeks views on proposals to give more leaseholders the ability to fully manage or own their properties – in buildings where there is a mixture of homes and other non-residential facilities, such as shops and restaurants.

Mark Chick, ALEP Director, said: “Any plans to make the leasehold system simpler are to be warmly welcomed and ALEP will be actively participating in the consultation. It is so important that industry experts help to shape future changes to the system, and our members will relish the opportunity to consult and input into the proposed changes.”

As part of the consultation, which runs for six weeks until 22 February, the Government is also calling for views on changes to support greater use of commonhold as an alternative form of homeownership to leasehold – including for those in Shared Ownership schemes in England.

Mark Chick continued: “The Government has committed to making commonhold work and our members have been actively engaged in advising the steps needed to achieve this. Whilst the government has repeatedly stated its commitment to fundamental reform of the leasehold enfranchisement system, there is no definitive timescale as to when any of the measures may be implemented, which makes it hard for leaseholders and those advising them to be clear about when these reforms are likely to become law. This consultation on introducing changes to support greater use of commonhold could provide some clarity, which would be very welcome.”

Members can contribute to the consultation here