Leaseholders hesitant to escalate complaints due to redress system
2 months ago | 2 comments
Any thoughts on new build ‘Fleecehold’?
12:02 AM, 30th April 2026, 11 hours ago
3
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Hello, I am thinking of buying a NEW build on an estate where the developer wants to charge £252 per year for ‘kids playgrounds and maintenance of the verges’ – and they want to charge this as soon as you move in, before any playground or verges exist!
Unfortunately, this is not capped, nor is the yearly rise. I am very sceptical that once the builders hand this over to a management company, which unlike leasehold, cannot be changed by the residents, then this charge will become the new leasehold cash cow.
The ‘sales’ person ensures me the rises will be ‘reasonable’ but can’t give me a guarantee – I think we all know what that means.
Additionally, the broadband is initially (2 years I think) through a company appointed by the builders, and is not one of the recognised broadband providers.
I would be interested in any thoughts on these points, or anyone with experience of these.
Thank you,
Derek
Tags:
developer appointed broadband new build, estate management charges new build, fleecehold charges new build estates, new build service charge playground fees, uncapped estate charges management company UK
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Member Since January 2024 - Comments: 7
9:55 AM, 30th April 2026, About 1 hour ago
why would you want to buy ANY leasehold property. why do you want additional charges you have no control over. they will tell you anything till you have boufht it. then your problems start.
Member Since July 2014 - Comments: 87
10:10 AM, 30th April 2026, About 51 minutes ago
Reply to the comment left by Graham Tisdale at 30/04/2026 – 09:55
It’s usual for a Freehold property on a new build estate to include a service charges for the purpose of maintaining the estate.
Member Since October 2022 - Comments: 412
10:49 AM, 30th April 2026, About 12 minutes ago
Read the new Leasehold and Reform Act 2024 and there may be reference to do with leaseholders having the same rights under Estate Service charges as the leaseholder rights and protections for variable maintenance cost due under your lease under Landlord & Tenant Act.
You needto check with your MP the progress of this Bill through Parliament. It’s also available to read on line to see what has been passed.
What does your lease say about the Estate service charges which is in addition to the block maintenance service charge.
I would wait.