Good news today with the results of the CMA investigation published
"Ground rents that double more frequently than every 20 years, and
escalating ground rents that raise the prospect of a lease becoming an
assured tenancy with the leaseholder consequently enjoying diminished
security of tenure are likely to have the worst consequences for
consumers. We also have significant reservations about RPI based
increases to ground rent. Moreover, lease provisions imposing ground
rent and providing for its escalation can be obscure and hard to
understand.
5. We estimate that the total number of new-build long leasehold homes sold
between 2000 and 2018 is approximately 778,000. On a conservative
approach we think the total number of leases with ground rents that
double more frequently than every 20 years is approximately 13,000, of
which there are around 10,000 which double every 10 years. There are at
least 57,000 homes where levels of ground rent are already over the
threshold for an assured tenancy.
6. The most comprehensive way to tackle problems in ground rent is through
legislation, and we support the government’s proposal effectively to
abolish ground rent in most future leases. However while this will prevent
problems arising in future it will not alleviate existing problems. The CMA
is preparing to take enforcement action to address the difficulties faced by
homeowners from high and increasing ground rents."
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5e57e4ea86650c53b74fe6e0/Leasehold_update_report_pdf_-.-._.pdf
