Almost half of Brits would like to see leaseholds abolished – London Wallet

A YouGov poll has revealed that nearly half of adults in Britain would be in favour of abolishing the leasehold system of home ownership.

The survey found 28% of respondents strongly supported the proposal, while 19% said they would somewhat support the move. Some 7% were somewhat opposed and 3% expressed strong opposition, while 43% were undecided.

The poll results follow an appearance on TV at last weekend by levelling up secretary Michael Gove, during which he insisted that the government plans to make it easier for leaseholders of flats to bring their buildings into common ownership to avoid paying ground rents and management fees.

Gove said that that the current leasehold system is “unfair” and that “in crude terms, if you buy a flat that should be yours… you shouldn’t be on the hook for charges that managing agents and other people can land you with”.

His comments follow a consultation launched by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities that could usher in a change to the system, offering leaseholders more power.

However, a legal expert has poured cold water on the prospect of the leasehold system being abolished altogether. Keystone Law’s residential property partner Katie Cohen said: “The abolition of the leasehold system in its entirety is unlikely. The reform to improve the system and its operation going forward is highly likely and very much needed.”