Unfortunately very little can be done by any government without upsetting the housing market even if they wanted to. A few tweaks here and there but nothing substantial will happen.It would be fairly simple to pass a law that the estimated service, maintenance and repair costs for the duration of the lease be put along side the selling price.This alone would send many running.Roofs may be replaced every 25-30 years, windows possibly 15-20?, lifts, brick work, painting outside, rewiring, water pipes, fire alarms, intercom, paths, tarmac for car park - the list is endless.If you own a leasehold property for more than ten years you are likely going to get hit by a big repair bill. You may just be unlucky and get hit by one straight away.Clearly a lot of properties are not worth the asking price with many just to costly to maintain.Successive governments since Thatcher pushing owning your own home and subsequent government forcing people to invest in property for their pension rather than traditional private pensions. It will take decades to wean the UK off high house prices and unsuitable leaseholds.
Ed Robinson ● 58d