brush but to the best ofmyknowledge no one has researchedthe problemtofind outhow widespread it is in reality”. With thefutureofthe LeaseholdAdvisory
Service(LEASE) stilluncertain,ALEPhas beenindiscussionwiththe organisation to determinewhether or notitmight take on someof theworkthatLEASEmaynolonger be able to do.“Around 80% of theenquiries received fromthepublicbyLEASE relate to service charges,” Alex explains. “That’s not really ourarea. Our focusisonthe other 20%thatrelates to enfranchisement, lease extensions andright tomanage.Whenwe findoutwhat is happeningweare hoping we cantakeupsomeofthe slackand providethe public with the information they need.” Unlike LEASE,which is a government- funded organisation,ALEPtakes astanceon
Flat Living Autumn2011
What’sWrong With leasehold? *APower of Attorneycannotbeused
to signaSection42Noticeforalease extensionoraSection13Noticefora freeholdacquisition,whichcausesmany problemsparticularly forelderly property owners;and
*Anyoneextendingtheir leaseis required
topayadepositwhennoneispayablewhen purchasingthefreehold.
leaseholdissues on behalf of itsmembers. “There aresomeridiculousanomalies in currentlegislation that need to be tackled,” says Alex andALEPhas drawnthe attentionof ministers to two points in particular. See box. “Weare only asking forminor change, not
wholesale leaseholdreformbut thereisnowill on thepartofthe government to actonbehalf of theleaseholdsector,”hesays. However, he believes that onegood thingthathas changed in recent yearsisthat“we have seen the disappearanceofthemythologyabout lease length”. He explains that it is nowmore or less accepted that if youbuy aflat youcan’t geta mortgageonanon-central London property with less than 80 yearsonthe lease. Lease length should really be tackledaspartofthe homebuying process rather than something that is tackledinapanicwhen youcometo sell,hesays. “Ifthere is onereallygood piece of advice that we can offer leaseholders it is to get themto look at the length of their lease at theoutset. Itmakesthe processofextending leases less traumaticand peopleare likelyto get a better deal.”●
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