The BBC recently published an article on how leasehold flat and house owners have become trapped in their own homes. Unable to sell their homes and with no control over the fees charged by the freeholder. Ashleigh Wilson bought her own home four years ago and had not understood what she had entered into. She was being charged £800 per year in ground rent and service fees. The lease even stopped her from changing the floor tiles. This is, unfortunately, a situation that many homeowners find themselves in.
A recent consultation by the law commission looks to address the disparity of leasehold property ownership. The law commission recommended changing to the Scottish system of commonhold. Which is when property owners communally own a building and have more say on how money is spent.
iInsure365 contributed to the law commission proposal. Our input was on how the change would affect the building insurance.
We believe in transparency. We feel that freeholders have overcharged leaseholders and continue to do so.
Freeholders inflate the insurance cost and include it in the service charge. This isn’t transparent and is masking the true cost of the insurance. We feel this is one of the biggest issues in the Leasehold debate.
What options do leaseholders have?
Leaseholders can take hold of their costs by using the Right to Manage process. Leaseholders can alternatively join together to buy the freehold. This is known as collective enfranchisement. They will need a solicitor to handle the legal process and a local valuer to value the freehold. By purchasing the freehold they have the freedom to manage it how they wish. Alternatively, they can apply for the Right to Manage and take over the management duties from the freeholder. This way they can control their costs without purchasing the freehold.
iInsure365
iInsure365 can help leaseholders in either situation. We can provide transparent quotes to save leaseholders money. See our Google reviews from our clients! We have a rebuild cost calculator that will also save leaseholders money. The assessment is only £160 and will recommend the rebuild cost to use. This will stop leaseholders from paying for insurance that they don’t need. Saving leaseholders money and providing peace of mind. If you would like a quote, request a call from us and a member of staff will contact you at a time that suits.
Ashleigh Wilson is not alone in her naivety regarding her lease. Taking the Right to Manage or collective enfranchisement can be can be even more confusing. However, we have a news centre with lots of articles that explain both processes and cover a number of other insurance related subjects.
