Flat owners welcome MP's support against exorbitant ground rent charges

Flat owners paying exorbitant ground rent charges have welcomed comments from MP Barry Gardiner, who criticised the high revenues extracted from leaseholders with no services in return. Speaking on the Leasehold Bill Committee, Gardiner said some flat owners are paying as much as £8,000 a year for no service. Flat owner and campaigner Sophie Bichener said: "Mr Gardiner hit the nail on the head. Many leaseholders only hear from their freeholders when ground rent is due and see no services in return. The ground rent invoices come on top of already extortionate service charges - it is just another way for profit to be extracted from leaseholders." The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill, currently going through Parliament, aims to make it cheaper and easier for leaseholders to extend their lease, buy their freehold, and take over management of their building. 

Daily Mail (24/01/2024)