The Law Society has welcomed the government consultation on changes to the law governing leasehold properties, adding that it gives an opportunity to address public concerns over the matter. The consultation seeks view on addressing leasehold practices such as disproportionate fees and rapidly rising ground rents.

While leasehold is a well-established part of English property law, some recent practices which have developed around it are nothing short of exploitative, said Law Society president Joe Egan.

Leasehold has long been an effective way to manage properties with shared or communal areas. However, the recent behaviour of some developers, setting excessive ground rents or selling freestanding houses as leasehold not freehold, has left some home buyers in a difficult position.

We welcome the government looking to put a stop to these practices, and prevent the exploitation of this form of property ownership.

The Law Society's expert Conveyancing and Land Law Committee is now working through the government's proposals, and is consulting members as part of this process; the consultation closes on 19 September. Members may either respond directly via an online survey, or can share their views by emailing property@lawsociety.org.uk. Further details are available here.